The European Union “is not at war with Russia,” European Council President Charles Michel said to El Pais in an interview on Monday. He said western countries should not avoid involvement in the battle between Ukraine and Russia, warning that a confrontation between NATO and Russia would mean a nuclear world war.
“Russia is a nuclear power, and we are well aware that if this conflict turns into [a conflict] between NATO and Russia, we will roll down into the Third World War,” Michel told El Pais on Saturday, after Friday’s EU summit in France.
The former Belgian prime minister called for dialogue, warning that “all conflicts are dramatic, extreme and often difficult.” Still, Moscow’s nuclear capabilities bring a whole new “dimension of a different nature” to any possible military standoff with the Kremlin.
I advocate pragmatism,” he added, explaining that Europe needs to focus on humanitarian access to regions affected by the military attacks, the status of Ukraine’s nuclear power facilities, and peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. “We need to talk to whoever is in the Kremlin today,” because “democracies” should talk to countries even if they are considered “not democratic,” Michel explained.
Michel also added that he has “regularly” talked to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and “the history of our relationship” helps both leaders in understanding each other’s perspectives, even if they do “not share them.” The EC president believes that it is not words but a “change in the balance of power” that can progress future talks. He noted that Europe shouldn’t abandon its role as a mediator in the war and “outsource” the task to an outside power, like China or the US.
When pressed if Moscow should face “international justice” over its invasion of Ukraine, Michel responded by saying that there is no international “law without justice.” Still, he added that it is “up to the international organizations to say” if the Kremlin should answer for anything.
He also said the EU is making efforts “to support [Ukraine] as much as possible” without “aggravating the conflict,” explaining that Europe has already “broken” its own “taboos” by giving Ukraine $1 billion in military assistance.
