It is unlikely that the European Union (EU) will be able to act as a mediator in the Russian-Ukrainian negotiations, since Russia does not want to do so. This was stated on May 10 by the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper.
“We do not [European Union]. The Russians will not accept this, just as we will not accept Russia as a mediator,” he noticed.
Borrell also said that China, which supports the Russian Federation, would not be suitable for the EU as an intermediary.
Turkey maintains good relations with the Ukrainian and Russian sides, the head of European diplomacy noted, adding that the UN could better play this role.
Meanwhile, Borrell did not comment on the possible outcome of the negotiations between Russia, Ukraine and the mediator, noting that it depends on the strength of each of the parties.
In addition, he reaffirmed his support for the Ukrainian side in terms of supplying weapons, saying that the main task now is “to put the Ukrainians in a position of strength.”
This issue, Borrell stressed, will be discussed at the meeting of foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) under the presidency of Germany, which will be held from May 12 to 14 in the commune of Wangels, in the Baltic Sea.
At the same time, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy assured that the EU does not want war with Russia, but will take sanctions measures against Russia.
