Ukraine, EU: “US envoys’ visit to Kyiv? We support every effort towards a just peace”

Brussels – The European Union welcomes the visit to Kyiv by the US special envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff—following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday—in an attempt to restart peace negotiations, but Russia continues to step up its attacks. This was stated on behalf of the European Commission by the spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Christian Wigand, in response to questions on the subject during today’s (7 September) press briefing. 

“The EU continues to support all diplomatic efforts that could help achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The renewed momentum in diplomatic contacts and the visit by US negotiators to Kyiv are particularly welcome,” he said. At the same time, however, “Russia continues to escalate hostilities by targeting civilians,” with the “tragic toll of civilian casualties over the summer,” the “attacks on Ukrainian wheat exports from the Black Sea, jeopardising global food security,” and “on energy infrastructure to inflict a harsh winter on the Ukrainian people.” According to the Berlaymont Building, “Putin’s actions are leading to devastation. Putin’s words reaffirm Russia’s maximalist objectives. None of these contributes to ending the Russian war,” he emphasised. Meanwhile, “Ukraine remains steadfast in its resilience and its commitment to a complete and unconditional ceasefire. We therefore support Ukraine’s efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace,”  he added. 

The Commission has not ruled out the possibility of contact between the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, regarding the visit by the two US envoys. “I cannot confirm a specific time for a telephone call on this matter, but I can say with certainty that President von der Leyen is in very regular contact with President Zelensky, so I would not be at all surprised if they spoke following these talks over the weekend,” explained the chief spokesperson, Paula Pinho.