The Russia-Ukraine war appears to be entering a new phase where diplomacy is gaining momentum alongside military action. Following recent developments in the Middle East and signs of easing tensions between the United States and Iran, efforts are now being made to explore possible pathways toward ending the conflict in Ukraine.
While Ukraine has continued to increase military pressure on Russia, European leaders have also begun taking diplomatic steps to ensure they remain involved in any future peace negotiations.
EU initiates fresh diplomatic contacts with Russia
Officials from the European Union have confirmed that preliminary diplomatic contacts with Russia have taken place in recent weeks. The outreach comes amid concerns that Europe could be sidelined if future negotiations on Ukraine are conducted primarily between Moscow and Washington.
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According to EU officials, the contacts were aimed at keeping communication channels open, although no discussions on specific issues have taken place so far.
One EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, ‘Over the past few weeks, some contacts have been made at the diplomatic level to open channels for dialogue, but no concrete issues have been discussed.’
Another official confirmed the contacts but declined to provide further details.
The first official added that the European Union has important interests that must be protected in any future settlement and therefore maintaining diplomatic engagement with Russia remains necessary.
‘The EU is not a mediator. It supports Ukraine in achieving a just and lasting peace,’ the official said.
Russia focuses on direct talks with United States
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly sought to discuss Ukraine’s future directly with the United States, while limiting Europe’s role in the process.
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Although Putin has previously argued that Europe cannot act as a neutral mediator in the conflict, he has not ruled out dialogue with the European Union.
Russia has not immediately commented on the latest reports regarding renewed diplomatic contacts.
Ukraine launches fresh drone strike On Moscow oil refinery
At the same time, Ukraine has continued to increase pressure on Russia through military operations.
For the second time in a week, Ukrainian drones targeted an oil refinery in Moscow. The attack forced authorities to temporarily suspend commercial flight operations at several airports in and around the Russian capital.
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The strike is being viewed as one of Ukraine’s largest drone operations against Russia since the beginning of the war.
Zelenskyy highlights coordination with Western allies
The attack came just hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that he had held what he described as a ‘very important coordination discussion’ with US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Zelenskyy said world leaders attending the G7 Summit in France had reassured Ukraine of continued support in the future.
He also issued a strong warning to Moscow, saying, ‘If Ukraine burns, Moscow will burn too.’
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According to Zelenskyy, the latest attack forms part of a broader effort to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and bring him to the negotiating table.
‘Now is the time to end this war,’ Zelenskyy said.
First published on: Jun 19, 2026 10:46 AM IST
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