Ukraine has proposed that Europe mediate in talks with Russia, starting with a small step - a mutual cessation of attacks on airports.
This was stated by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga to Politico.
This option for a ceasefire would give European leaders a concrete diplomatic role at a time when US-led talks between Moscow and Kiev have slowed down, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown little desire to reach a broader agreement to end the war.
„Europe probably needs a new role in our peace efforts. "We could try to negotiate or reach a so-called ceasefire at airports," Sibiga said on the sidelines of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.
The proposal would focus on a limited agreement between Moscow and Kiev not to target airports. Sibiga argued that Putin may have an incentive to participate in such a deal because major Russian transport hubs, including Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport and St. Petersburg's Pulkovo Airport, are increasingly vulnerable to long-range Ukrainian attacks.
“Maybe our European allies, by creating a platform or a task force, could discuss this,” he said, adding that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had already discussed the idea with some European leaders.
But Kiev does not want Europe to replace Washington. Instead, according to Sibiga, any European effort should strengthen US-led diplomacy and avoid creating competing paths.
“This should be a complementary path, not a substitute or an alternative“, Sibiga said, adding that Europe must speak “with one voice“.
Senior EU officials have so far been cautious, arguing that Putin has not demonstrated serious intentions to end the war. However, EU Foreign Minister Kaia Kallas opened the way for discussion on Europe's role on Monday, saying that foreign ministers would raise the issue at a meeting later this month.
It has also emerged that Russia intends to ask Ukraine for a new ceasefire at the end of May - to repair the power line that supplies the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.