8614 visitors online
The negotiations between Russia and the European Union are facing significant challenges. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Russian government, highlighted that Russia has not yet received a reply concerning Gerhard Schröder’s candidacy as a mediator in talks. Concurrently, Kaja Kallas of the EU expressed skepticism about Schröder's capability to mediate due to his connections with Russia. Amid these tensions, Germany ponders nominating its president, Steinmeier, for the mediation role. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy continues to coordinate with global leaders, including Finland's Stubb, to strategize responses. These developments illustrate the intricate geopolitical dynamics surrounding negotiations amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for a coordinated international diplomatic approach. Key terms include negotiations, EU diplomacy, mediator role, and Ukraine conflict resolution.

What are the current challenges facing negotiations between Russia and the EU?

One of the primary challenges is the lack of response from the EU on Russia's proposal to have Gerhard Schröder mediate negotiations. Additionally, concerns have been raised about Schröder's ties to Russia, potentially impacting his ability to serve impartially. This situation highlights the complexity of international diplomacy in resolving tensions related to the Ukrainian conflict.

Why is Gerhard Schröder considered a controversial choice for mediator?

Gerhard Schröder is considered controversial due to his perceived affiliations with Russia, which casts doubt on his perceived neutrality and effectiveness as a mediator in negotiations between Russia and the European Union. This has sparked debate within European political circles about his suitability for the role.

Who might Germany propose as an alternative candidate for negotiation mediation?

Germany is considering President Frank-Walter Steinmeier as an alternative candidate for the role of mediator in negotiations between the European Union and Russia. His involvement is seen as a move to establish a more neutral and acceptable figure in the negotiation process, albeit with complex political implications.

What actions is Ukraine taking amid ongoing negotiation challenges?

Ukraine, under President Zelenskyy's leadership, continues to engage with international partners such as Finnish President Stubb to align strategies and strengthen diplomatic responses. Ukraine emphasizes the importance of an inclusive international framework to pursue negotiations and resolve the ongoing conflict with Russia.

What role does the EU play in negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine?

The European Union plays a vital role in negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine by coordinating responses and exploring different diplomatic approaches such as changing mediators. The EU’s involvement is crucial for shaping a comprehensive international strategy to address Russian conflicts and their implications for European stability.

show details

News negotiations

"I hope for necessary degree of responsibility and sense on all sides," - Steinmeier calls for overcoming stalemate at Minsk talks German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier called on the warring sides in eastern Ukraine to overcome the stagnation in negotiations to implement last year's cease-fire accord for eastern Ukraine. 2 601 15 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

No breakthrough expected by Germany at tomorrow Minsk talks, - Reuters There is little chance of major progress on ending fighting in eastern Ukraine during Normandy Four meeting in Minsk on Nov. 29. 2 454 13

Yanukovych on talks with Putin before Maidan massacre: "I don't remember. Most likely nothing of the kind happened" Ex-president of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych says he does not remember whether he talked with Russian President Vladimir Putin between Feb. 18-19, 2014, before the execution of the Maidan protesters that led to killing of about a hundred people in downtown Kyiv. 19 312 69 Previously in trend: Investigation of crimes against Maidan

парубий Parubii, Erdogan discuss blockade of Crimea, situation around Crimean Tatars in occupied peninsula. PHOTOS Verkhovna Rada Chairman Andrii Parubii and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan has met in Istanbul. 11 502 25 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

"Kononenko already entered into negotiations with Georgian side," - Sakvarelidze on Saakashvili's extradition Poroshenko's ally Ihor Kononeko has started negotiations with oligarch Ivanishvili on Mikheil Saakashvili's extradition to Georgia. 56 627 295

меркель Obama, Merkel discuss keeping Russia sanctions until Minsk fully implemented: "We continued to stand with the people of Ukraine" President of the United States Barak Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the keeping of Russia sanctions in place until the Minsk agreements are fully implemented by the country. 13 544 105 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Sanctions against Russia

"I keep asking them to discharge me," - Kuchma on his participation in Minsk talks Ukraine's representative in the Trilateral Contact Group on the Donbas Leonid Kuchma says he has long been seeking resignation from the post, but no decent successor has been found so far. 27 555 145

Trump, Hollande agree to clarify key issues including Ukraine, Middle East, - Reuters On Friday, French President Francois Hollande and U.S President-elect Donald Trump had a phone conversation in which they agreed to clarify positions on key issues such as the Middle East and Ukraine. 26 733 75 Previously in trend: President Trump

Ukraine made compromise proposals on hostage release, - Iryna Herashchenko During today's humanitarian subgroup meeting in Minsk, the Ukrainian side requested representatives of the occupied Donbas territories to provide correct data about captives. 17 147 24

It's OSCE that should determine parameters of armed police mission in Donbas, Russia’s Peskov says The OSCE must play the key role in determining the parameters of the armed police mission in the Donbas proposed by President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko. 8 783 43 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

порошенко Poroshenko, Czolij discuss reforms, situation in Donbas. PHOTO President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko held a meeting with President of the Ukrainian World Congress Eugene Czolij. 5 694 34

Ukraine has fulfilled necessary criteria for visa-free travel, - Tusk President Petro Poroshenko spoke with President of the European Council Donald Tusk over the phone. 7 715 19 Previously in trend: Visa-free travel for Ukraine

климкин Ukraine and Russia see Donbas road map logic differently, - Foreign Minister Klimkin The road map offered by Russia has nothing in common with the one proposed by Ukraine. 15 493 84 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

"We don’t mind someone else participating, including our American partners," - Putin on Donbas peace talks The Kremlin doesn’t mind U.S. representatives participating in negotiations in the Normandy format, but there is an agreement that Russia works in parallel with them. 6 877 68

порошенко "I will not allow squandering Ukrainian lands, including Donbas and Crimea," - Poroshenko If Ukraine decides to abandon the Minsk agreements, it will automatically lose international support. 78 706 673

порошенко All Minsk agreements are transparent. Secret arrangements unusual for European politics, - Poroshenko Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko noted that the Minsk agreements provided for global consolidation around Ukraine and gave distinct vision of the conflict solution. 16 759 210 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Putin opposes Poroshenko's stance on prisoner swap, - Peskov Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly disagrees with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko on the issue of prisoner exchange. 60 313 88 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Ukrainian hostages in Russia

порошенко Poroshenko: Russia supports OSCE police mission deployment in Donbas Germany, France and the Russian Federation supported the idea to deploy the OSCE armed police mission in the militants-controlled part of the Donbas, including along the border with Russia. 82 467 280 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

Normandy format leaders take pause in Berlin talks Participants of the Normandy format meeting have decided to take a break. 17 771 83 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

аваков "French Foreign Ministry should better demand Russian aggressor to leave Ukraine’s occupied territory," – Interior Minister Avakov on Ayrault’s statement regarding Normandy Four meeting’s objectives Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Arsen Avakov believes that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France should better call on Russia to leave the occupied territory of Ukraine. 52 674 173 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Merkel expects no miracles from Normandy Four meeting in Berlin, - DW German Chancellor Angela Merkel believes the upcoming Normandy Four meeting in Berlin will hardly bring any tangible results. 7 205 60

четверка нормандская Poroshenko, Hollande, Merkel agreed to discuss Minsk implementation by Russia in Berlin Oct. 19 The president of Ukraine had a phone conversation in trilateral format with President of France Francois Hollande and Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel while on official visit to Norway. 21 287 68

Normandy Four meeting unlikely to be held Oct. 19, - Peskov Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said that the Normandy format meeting scheduled for Oct. 19 in Berlin is unlikely to take place. 8 077 26 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

фейгин "If she indeed meets these bastards, not clear what I was doing then for I protected her from people like that," - lawyer Feygin on Savchenko's visit to occupied territories Lawyer Mark Feygin does not understand why his former client Nadiia Savchenko visited occupied territories and met 'puppets who decide nothing.' 221 719 414 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

меркель Poroshenko, Merkel discuss situation in Donbas President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko had a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. 6 739 30 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

порошенко Moscow blocks release of hostages, - Poroshenko President Petro Poroshenko has had a telephone conversation with French President Francois Hollande. The conversation was also attended by German Foreign Policy Advisor Christoph Heusgen who apologized for Angela Merkel being unable to take part in the talk. 4 646 21 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

савченко "I went to occupied territory and met with my recent captors," - Savchenko Ukrainian MP Nadiia Savchenko, member of the Ukrainian delegation to PACE, said at the assembly session that she had recently visited the occupied territory of the Donbas and met with people who had held her captive two years ago. 234 611 851

Friends of Ukraine group advocates US participation in Normandy format The members of Friends of Ukraine group (Carl Bildt, Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz, Mikuláš Dzurinda, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Hans-Gert Pöttering, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, and Sir Malcolm Rifkind) propose involving the United States in the negotiations to find solution to the conflict in Ukraine. 8 396 24 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

France establishes contacts with Putin, Merkel, Poroshenko prior to possible summit on Ukraine France invites the so-called Normandy Four (leaders of France, Germany, Ukraine, and Russia gathering to settle the situation in Ukraine) to tackle the issue of holding a new summit in Berlin. 2 172 22 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

US to negotiate Donbas with Russia despite friction over Syria, - Department of State The U.S. is set to continue talks with Russia to resolve the situation in the Donbas despite split over the conflict in Syria. 5 922 17 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

Nuland to visit Moscow and discuss situation in Donbas, - U.S. Department of State Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs at the United States Department of State Victoria Nuland will travel to Moscow after her trip to Brussels on Oct. 4. In the Russian capital, Nuland will meet senior Russian official to discuss the situation in the Donbas. 9 107 77 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

US to suspend talks with Russia on Syria, Kerry says The United States is on the verge of suspending talks with Russia on cease-fire deal implementation to end the violence in Syria. 56 123 148 Previously in trend: War in Syria

порошенко Poroshenko held talks with President of European Council Donald Tusk. PHOTO President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko met with President of the European Council Donald Tusk, who arrived in Ukraine to participate in events on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Babyn Yar tragedy. 6 930 9 Previously in trend: Ukraine - EU Visa-free travel for Ukraine

"Russia escalates situation in terms of pressure and ultimatums in every possible way," – Ukraine’s negotiator in Minsk peace talks Pyrozhkov Russia issues Ukraine ultimatums on the Donbas despite own reluctance to recognize itself a party to the conflict. 9 996 31 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

марчук 13 days for disengagement in Donbas, OSCE to monitor 24/7, - Ukraine's negotiator Marchuk on Minsk talks outcomes The parties have allocated 13 days for disengagement of forces and hardware in Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote, and Petrovske in the Donbas. 29 653 74 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

порошенко столтенберг NATO supports Ukraine's stance on Russia sanctions extension until Minsk fulfilled in full, - Stoltenberg to Poroshenko. PHOTOS Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko held talks with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. 6 036 17 Previously in trend: Sanctions against Russia

Separatists at Minsk talks demand swapping 45 Ukrainian hostages for 600 militants, - Iryna Herashchenko Representatives of the so-called “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” demand to exchange 45 Ukrainians they are holding for more than 600 militants arrested for violent crimes. 30 834 156

порошенко Ukraine's president and New Zealand's PM hold first negotiations ever on bilateral relations. PHOTOS President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko talked to Prime Minister of New Zealand John Key during the 71st session of the UN General Assembly. 15 295 67

порошенко Ukraine's Poroshenko met with Japan's PM Shinzō Abe. PHOTO President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko had a meeting with Prime Minister of Japan Shinzō Abe during his working visit to the United States. 8 561 68

порошенко Poroshenko met with Qatar's Sheikh Tamim. PHOTOS President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko had a meeting with Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during the 71st session of the UN General Assembly. 20 961 52

порошенко Poroshenko discuss visa waiver, EU's next macro-financial assistance tranche with EC representatives. PHOTO President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has held a meeting with Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn and Vice-President of the European Commission for the Euro and Social Dialogue Valdis Dombrovskis. 8 567 54 Previously in trend: Ukraine - EU Visa-free travel for Ukraine

климкин Foreign Minister Klimkin denies allegations of pressure by France and Germany over Ukraine to provide special status to Donbas Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin denies alleged pressure by France and Germany upon Ukraine to pass the bill on local elections and special status for the Donbas. 30 813 88 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

климкин Status quo unacceptable in Donbas, Russia must leave the area, - Klimkin The status quo in the Donbas is virtually a protectorate of the Russian military and secret services. 49 992 144 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

“Russia must take steps to establish peace in Donbas,” - Ukraine's Klimkin on possible talks with Putin President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin may meet if Russia takes concrete steps in order to achieve peace in the Donbas. 13 062 102 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine

"It is important to free all Ukrainian hostages," - Poroshenko, Merkel hold phone talks President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko had a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. 2 825 17

French, German foreign ministers to visit Ukraine next week, - Steinmeier Foreign Ministers of Germany and France, Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Jean-Marc Ayrault, are going to visit Ukraine next week. 4 754 24

Putin's spokesperson says conditions and 'homework' needed for meeting of Poroshenko and Putin Certain conditions must be in place for presidents of Ukraine and Russia to hold a meeting. 13 952 49

Poroshenko, Merkel, Hollande to hold phone talks by weekend, - Yelisieiev President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande will have a telephone conversation before the end of the week. 3 285 23 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine