Nicosia: Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot urged the EU on Thursday to develop a common strategy on relations with Russia and secure a stronger role in any future peace negotiations on Ukraine. Speaking ahead of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in the Greek Cypriot Administration, Prevot emphasized that the bloc could no longer remain a 'spectator' as discussions on European security continue.

According to Anadolu Agency, Prevot stated that the EU should assert itself at the negotiating table, particularly as the US appears to be scaling back its involvement in peace efforts. He highlighted the importance of the EU defining a unified position toward Moscow 'in full transparency with Ukraine.' Despite acknowledging existing divisions among EU member states, especially those closer to Russia like Poland, Finland, and the Baltic states, Prevot expressed confidence that these differences could be resolved.

Prevot also underscored the necessity of maintaining pressure on Moscow, noting the absence of any indications that Russia was prepared for serious negotiations.