STORY
European Union foreign ministers have rejected suggestions that Russia should have any say over who represents Europe in possible negotiations over Ukraine. The issue was discussed at an informal meeting in Cyprus, where ministers considered how the EU should position itself if peace efforts move forward.
The comments followed Russian suggestions that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder could act as a European representative. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and several foreign ministers said Europe would not allow Moscow to choose its interlocutors and that any diplomatic role would have to reflect a common European position.
The discussion came as Ukraine continued to press Europe to take a more active part in any future peace process. Ministers focused on maintaining pressure on Russia, supporting Ukraine and developing a collective EU approach, while acknowledging that appointing a special envoy would be premature at this stage.