On Monday, fifteen EU member states, led by Austria, sent a joint letter to the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, calling for a “renewed, targeted and coordinated global diplomatic outreach.” The primary objective is to increase pressure on the Kremlin and achieve a cessation of hostilities.
This appeal follows the latest round of in-person talks between Kyiv and Moscow, which ended without results. Despite backing from the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” and the United States, the negotiations made no progress toward a ceasefire.
“It is timelier than ever to renew and intensify our engagement with our global partners to secure their support for this initiative,” the letter says, as seen by Euronews. In the view of the signatories, the European Union must act decisively and in unison.
Leveraging Moscow’s Allies
The letter highlights the need to engage countries that still maintain strong ties with Russia, which could be instrumental in increasing diplomatic pressure on the Kremlin. “Many countries maintain close ties with Moscow — this influence can and must be leveraged,” the letter emphasizes. “This outreach must run in both directions and take into account the specific context and concerns of each country.”
Austria spearheaded the initiative, with Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden co-signing the letter.
The document does not provide specific proposals or name particular countries. Rather, it serves as a call to action, urging Kallas to lead a renewed and collective diplomatic campaign and to initiate political debate among EU member states.
“It is crucial that the EU launches a coordinated diplomatic effort aimed at building a broad global coalition in support of a full, unconditional and immediate ceasefire,” the signatories stress. “Now is the time to act, to stop the bloodshed in Ukraine.”
Hopes for BRICS Remain Slim
Though not explicitly mentioned, the letter is widely believed to be aimed at BRICS — a bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This group, often viewed as a counterweight to the G7, has expanded recently to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE.
According to Brussels, BRICS countries play a central role in keeping Russia’s economy afloat and in undermining the effectiveness of Western sanctions. While formally calling for peace, BRICS members have refused to impose sanctions and continue to engage in trade with Moscow. Some of their leaders even participated in Russia’s May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow — an event that EU officials regard as a propaganda show to legitimize aggression.
China has drawn particular criticism. “China is the key enabler of Russia’s war. Without Chinese support, Russia wouldn’t be able to wage the war at the scale they are,” Kallas stated last month.
Europe’s Turn to Realpolitik
As Russia deepens its dependence on non-Western states, the EU is adjusting its strategy — opting for engagement over confrontation. Recognizing that isolating Russia’s allies won’t bring results, Brussels is pursuing pragmatic relationships based on trade and diplomacy.
In 2023, the EU finalized a sweeping trade agreement with Mercosur (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay) and plans to conclude a similar deal with India by the end of 2025. Trade negotiations are also ongoing with Indonesia and the UAE, while a summit with South Africa earlier this year focused on energy and investment. High-level talks with Central Asian nations have also been held.
Meanwhile, U.S. protectionism — spurred by Donald Trump’s tariff hikes — is prompting speculation about a looming reset in EU-China relations, which have reached historic lows amid the war. The EU appears increasingly willing to set aside Beijing’s “no-limits” partnership with Moscow in order to secure access to alternative markets and mitigate the fallout from U.S. economic nationalism.
The EU understands that peace cannot be achieved in isolation. Despite clear contradictions and geopolitical risks, European diplomats are attempting to engage with those who now shape the course of the war as much as Moscow or Washington.
This article was prepared based on materials published by Euronews. The author does not claim authorship of the original text but presents their interpretation of the content for informational purposes.
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