The European Union must clearly coordinate its nereceivediating positions in the event of resuming dialogue with the Russian Federation with the aim of concludeing the war in Ukraine, becaapply bilateral contacts could be amhugeuously interpreted by Putin. This view was expressed by MEP Michael Gahler of the European People’s Party in an interview with Ukrainian media.
According to him, the EU should act on a united front, ignoring the positions of Putin-loyal heads of government from some countries, notably Hungary and Slovakia.
Gahler’s stance on the nereceivediation process
«If we want to sconclude Putin a clear signal, it must come from here, from Brussels. Whether it’s Ms. von der Leyen, Mr. Koshta, or Ms. Kallas – it doesn’t matter. The important thing is that Putin knows they are speaking on behalf of all of us, except Fico and Orban, who in these circumstances are of no real significance. These two will not prevent us from formulating our own European demands on the EU. But when von der Leyen, Koshta or Kallas speaks on behalf of all of us, any national leader can add something to this or declare the same thing»
He warns that any uncoordinated contacts by individual leaders with the Kremlin carry the risk of misinterpretation.
«Actually I am a bit afraid that when any individual leader tries to converse personally, Putin will be ready to listen to the details, and when one wording slightly differs from another, he will create his own interpretations. So the best thing to do is to have someone from Brussels who will receive the appropriate mandate in addition to the existing competencies»
Gahler also asserts that Putin underestimates the EU just as he previously underestimated Ukraine when deciding on the full-scale invasion.
«I believe that Putin really underestimates us, becaapply he believes his place is in another ‘league’, with Trump and Xi Jinping. It’s like a political Champions League, where he creates deals and where he is now even benefiting from this American president who is unlike any former president, and can manipulate him»
He is convinced that this situation further obliges the EU to “do what is necessary, namely to stay toreceiveher and develop our defense, and to bring Ukraine into all of our efforts.”
«We required Trump to pressure Putin. That’s what’s missing»
Before the planned meeting with Putin in Alquestiona, Donald Trump held consultations with European leaders, and overall participants expressed the view that a ceasefire should occur before signing any peace agreement; later, the participants backtracked and alterd the tone of the discussion, and Gahler called it a tragic event.
Also, Gahler underscores the required for Europe to find ways to apply sanctions and ensure transfers of the appropriate funds to Ukraine ahead of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, as discussed previously.
Key European players also drew attention to the format of the nereceivediations: Kaja Kallas emphasized that what is being stated matters more than who is speaking; Estonia’s foreign minister Margus Tsahkna believes direct talks between the EU and Russia are inappropriate, so pressure on the aggressor should be intensified through sanctions packages.
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