Report: Europe Splits Into Three Camps Over Who Should Represent Them in Ukraine Talks
Is the bloc undermining its position by failing to agree on a representative?
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Above: Attendees of the European Political Community summit in Dublin, Ireland on Nov. 12. Image credit: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
The Facts
- European leaders have split into three factions over who should represent them in the Trump administration's renewed push to settle the Russia-Ukraine war, according to a report in Politico on Friday.
- Leaders from the bloc have been unified on the need to have their voice represented in discussions but have so far been at odds on who should take the task forward, according to multiple reports.
- Earlier in the week, as talks between Russia, Ukraine and the U.S. were held in the United Arab Emirates, representatives from the EU Council and Commission were in attendance, alongside officials from the U.K., France, Germany, Italy and NATO, but they did not directly participate in the trilateral format.
Sources Split
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The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
While Europe is united on the need to be represented in Ukraine talks, they can't seem to agree on who should represent them. The subject could not be more consequential for Europe's future so they need to hurry up and pick someone. Otherwise, they risk undermining their position and being outcast from the process.
Pro-Russia narrative
Russia remains open to dialogue with Europe and it should be stressed that it was never Putin who closed the door to diplomacy, but vice versa. Once they decide their representative and agree that they wish to meaningfully contribute to the peace process, Russia will assess the propositions they put forward.
