António Costa, the President of the European Council, has expressed that the European Union (EU) should gear up for possible negotiations with Russia, even though it is not the time for the EU to intervene in U.S. President Donald Trump's peace efforts concerning Ukraine. According to Costa, it is crucial for the EU to remain prepared to continue efforts to achieve a fair and lasting peace if talks stall or fail. He highlighted the need for readiness in the event of a breakdown in discussions between Moscow and Kyiv, especially since the U.S. has taken on a mediation role that has recently been suspended as Washington focuses on the conflict with Iran.

Costa pointed out that the EU's main contribution at this stage involves increasing economic pressure on Russia while simultaneously supporting Ukraine with all available resources. He made it clear that the rise in energy prices would not alter the EU's strategy toward remaining independent from Russian supplies, and that the EU is not negotiating with Moscow over energy prices. He stressed the importance of sustaining support for Ukraine amid these challenges to ensure that the region remains stable and resilient against external pressures.

Additionally, Costa mentioned that Hungary is currently blocking billions of euros in aid to Ukraine, which complicates the EU's efforts to present a united front in support of Ukraine and underscores the internal challenges faced within the union. The ongoing conflict not only poses a geopolitical challenge but also tests the EU's ability to act cohesively in the face of diverse national interests and priorities, which could significantly affect future negotiations with Russia and the overall stability in Eastern Europe.