EU Not Seeking Mediating Role in Ukraine War, Antonio Costa Says

Following the meeting of the European Council, I will introduce our speakers for today, Mr. António Costa. And our determination in supporting Ukraine and work towards a just and lasting peace. The opening of accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova this week is a historic step and the clear signal of the European Union's commitment to enlargement. And it builds on the positive momentum created by progress with Montenegro and Albania and by the successful European Union-Western Balkans summit in Tivat. The European Union is not and we do not intend to be mediators. The European Union is on Ukraine's side. We have been with Ukraine through the war and we will be with Ukraine after the war. What is clear also is unfortunately that we don't have credible signs from Russia that Russia wants to engage in serious negotiations for the time being. For sure, the coalition of the willing and its leaders will also need to have a role in what concerns security guarantees. But in what concerns the European Union's interests, they will need to be defended by the European Union institutions in accordance with the treaties. But it's precisely because we need also to support Ukraine through diplomatic means that we need to have a direct diplomatic channel with Russia. Unfortunately, the time to negotiate has not arrived yet and we don't want to replace Ukraine because only Ukraine, only President Zelensky has the legitimacy to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine. Ukraine is in the driver's seat. We as the European Union stand by Ukraine. And sooner or later, Russia will have to come to the negotiation table, notably through the pressure of our sanctions. And when that moment comes, we need a united European message to President Putin.