EU summit leaves Russia dialogue leadership undefined

Leaders at a European Union summit did not designate a representative to lead potential negotiations with Russia or outline detailed parameters for future dialogue, instead reiterating their demand for an immediate ceasefire without preconditions, according to the final document of the meeting on Ukraine.

"The European Council supports diplomatic efforts to bring Russia’s war of aggression to an end and underlines the EU’s readiness to step up its engagement in that context, in accordance with the Union’s aim to promote peace, as enshrined in the Treaties," the EU leaders said in a concluding 18-point statement, Caliber.Az reports. 

At the same time, the summit called on Russia to "agree to a full, unconditional and immediate ceasefire and engage in meaningful negotiations towards a just and lasting peace."

The remaining sections of the document focus on tightening sanctions against Russia, advancing the swift adoption of a proposed 21st package of restrictive measures, and expanding the supply of weapons to Ukraine.

EU leaders also did not set a timeline for the next stage of consultations on Ukraine’s accession to the bloc, including the opening of additional negotiation chapters among the remaining five clusters.

The statement notes that EU leaders welcomed the start of dialogue between Russia and Ukraine on June 15 and "look forward to the opening of the other clusters, in line with the merit-based approach."

Ahead of the summit, the European Commission had pushed for negotiations on all five remaining clusters to begin as early as July, though no such timeline was confirmed in the final conclusions.

By Sabina Mammadli