Moscow Says EU Cannot Be Neutral Mediator in Ukraine Peace Negotiations

Russia and the EU traded statements around 29 May 2026 on whether Europe can mediate in Ukraine peace talks. Kremlin spokesman Peskov said Europe cannot act as a mediator. EU's Kallas said the EU will never be a neutral mediator between Ukraine and Russia and warned against a Russian mediator 'trap'.

The EU is not yet planning a chief negotiator for Ukraine-Russia peace talks. Lukashenko urged Macron to lead an EU-Russia dialogue on the Ukraine conflict. Putin said his remark that the war was coming to an end was based on battlefield advances.