EU split on Russia ahead of summit
(VOVWORLD) -Italy and Hungary have urged that the EU call explicitly for a ceasefire in Ukraine and peace talks with Russia, while other members are taking a hard line with Moscow ahead of the summit in late May.
 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Photo: Xinhua/VNA |
At the May 20 conference of EU ambassadors, the Ambassador of Italy proposed to changes to the text of the 30-31 May summit’s draft joint statement, saying it should mention peace talks and set out an immediate ceasefire as one of the EU top goals. The proposal has received the support of Hungary and Cyprus, which do not agree with the new EU sanctions package against Russia.
European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday expressed a tough stance towards Russia and did not mention peace talks as she delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.