The EU delays appointing a negotiator for talks with Russia, focusing first on clarifying goals and increasing sanctions pressure amid the Ukraine conflict.
EU foreign policy chief Kaya Kallas warns that Russia, China, and the US use divide-and-rule tactics to weaken European Union unity, urging member states to maintain collective strength.
Germany considers President Steinmeier as EU representative for peace talks with Russia, amid skepticism over Putin's proposal to appoint Schröder alone.
Putin favors former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as the EU's negotiator for ending the Ukraine conflict, signaling Moscow's readiness for peace talks under respectful terms.