European Union leaders debate whether and how to restart talks with Russia

Multiple European Union leaders and officials are discussing the need to resume direct dialogue with Russia. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron have both said it's time for the EU to talk to Russia, while other EU officials have acknowledged that talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin are inevitable at some point.

This debate comes amid internal criticism, such as from the Polish president who called the EU a 'fading star' and warned of the Russian threat. Meanwhile, a Russian diplomat stated that dialogue with the EU can only resume if the bloc drops its sanctions policy against Russia.