EU sends six negotiators to Russia talks after envoy deadlock

The European Union will send six representatives to negotiate with Russia, after failing to agree on a single envoy to lead talks. The decision was announced by European Council President António Costa following a summit in Dublin. The team comprises the EU institutions and the E5 group of Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom. Costa said this ensures a "clear and united voice," noting that neither Washington nor Kyiv uses a single negotiator. The move follows speculation over candidates including Kaja Kallas and Costa, with Germany backing the former. Russia has cast doubt on the expanded format, saying it must first verify European intentions before agreeing to broader talks.