EU - Reopens Communication with Russia

Against the backdrop of conflict, and despite reservations among some European leaders, the EU has been quietly seeking to reopen communications with Moscow even as it doubles down on its support for Kyiv. President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, has tried to cut out Europe and Kyiv and negotiate Ukraine’s future with Washington.

“In any future scenario, the EU has specific interests that will need to be defended, therefore it is important to have established diplomatic channels with Russia. The EU is not a mediator. It supports Ukraine in its efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace,” the first official added.

The officials said European Council President Antonio Costa “has been coordinating closely with European leaders on possible engagement with Russia and the issues to be discussed when the right moment comes.”

-apnews.com, 18 June 2026

Commentary: The Russian invasion of Ukraine began on 24 February 2022, and is still an active war. At present, about 20% of Ukrainian territory is occupied by Russian forces.

This shows that Russia’s military might is surprisingly limited. There are various opinions about Russia’s intention, but one thing seems clear: Russia intended to quickly subdue Ukraine and install a pro-Russian regime. That obviously failed.

Ukraine is now hoping to be a member of the European Union. A report reads: “Ukraine’s bid for rapid 2027 EU membership has been ruled ‘impossible’ by European leaders due to the extensive institutional, legal, and economic reforms required.” A Google search reveals, “joining the European Union takes about nine years on average.” Thus, Ukraine will have to wait.

In the meantime, negotiations both officially and unofficially are attempting to achieve a ceasefire, and a peace agreement somehow thereafter.

According to the International Institute of Sociology, Ukraine insists on Ukrainian citizenship. “Distinct Nationality: The vast majority of people living in Ukraine—regardless of whether they speak Ukrainian or Russian at home—identify strictly as citizens of Ukraine. Polling Data: Surveys conducted by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) show that over 77% to 82% of residents across all regions of Ukraine (including the south and east) identify primarily as Ukrainian citizens.”

Based on the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, wheat production is ranked: 1) China, 135-140 million tons; 2) India, 110-114 million tons; 3) Russia, 83-86 million tons. Combined European Union production, however, is 122-142 million tons.

Ukraine is one of the most resource-rich countries in Europe, holding about 5% of the world’s critical raw materials such as titanium, lithium, and uranium.

Regarding the Church, Crosswalk.com states: “Evangelical churches have sparked significant growth in the Ukrainian community through intensive humanitarian relief, the planting of over 100 new congregations in Ukraine, and the establishment of roughly 160 new Baptist and Pentecostal churches across Europe since the conflict began. This response has transformed local churches into vital support and worship centers for displaced populations.” Pray for Ukraine.

(See The Power of Prayer, Item #9109, $3 per 100 tracts.)