Brussels, 17 March 2026 (dpa/MIA) – The European Union should prepare for possible talks with Russia, according to European Council President António Costa.

For now, the European Union should not interfere with the efforts of US President Donald Trump for peace in Ukraine, Costa said in an interview with the news agency network European Newsroom (enr).

But should the talks be discontinued or fail, "then we need to be prepared to continue the efforts and to try to obtain a just and lasting peace in Ukraine," Costa told reporters.

The US has led diplomatic efforts to mediate between Moscow and Kiev. These talks were recently suspended as Washington's focus shifted to the war in Iran.

In the interview, Costa however urged restraint.

"For the time being, our main contribution is to increase economic pressure on Russia" and to continue to support Ukraine with all available means, Costa said.

The increased energy prices did not change the EU's strategy, he said, as the EU is striving to become independent of Russian energy supplies and does not negotiate energy prices with Moscow.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a Russian invasion for more than four years. The EU supports Kiev including with financial aid.

Hungary is currently blocking billions of euros in new aid already approved for Ukraine. This is unacceptable, said Costa, who previously served as prime minister of Portugal.

Photo: dpa