EU names six-part team for Ukraine peace talks, not one envoy

European Council president António Costa said the negotiating team would comprise the EU institutions and the E5 of the “Coalition of the Willing”. The decision formalises much of the existing set-up: France, Germany and the UK have been at the table alongside Italy and Björn Seibert, chief of staff to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.

Costa said the EU would lead on Ukraine’s “European future, its reconstruction, and prosperity”. Security guarantees, he said, must be addressed through the coalition in close coordination with Nato. “Europe must speak with one clear and united voice in all discussions that shape the future of Ukraine and the security of our continent,” he added.

A senior diplomat described the existing arrangement as “not ideal” earlier on Friday. It remains unclear whether EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas will take part. EU capitals supported sending her to the talks, the diplomat said, but added that it was “just not possible”.

Kallas defended her role as she arrived at the summit. She warned that Russia was “setting traps” by seeking to shift attention from its aggression to debate about Europe’s security architecture and Nato’s role.