While the EU has repeatedly insisted it gets a “seat at the table” at Ukraine peace talks, to  safeguard the region’s interests and bolster Kyiv’s ability to resist a lopsided deal, the bloc has yet to agree on a single leader or institution to spearhead negotiations.

“I’m convinced that we all realize how, by projecting the image of a Europe that’s all over the place, we’re doing nothing but serving the interests of those who want this war to continue. And I think this is unacceptable, given that human lives and the future of our security are at stake,” the Italian prime minister wrote.

“Proceeding in a disorganized manner, with initiatives that chase one another and overlap, will not help us — neither with our partners nor with those we must convince to
stop this senseless aggression,” she added.

“I am not asking for a seat for Italy in this or that format,” she said.

EU leaders meet in Dublin for an informal European Council on Nov. 13. A meeting of the European Political Community, which involves all EU states plus Ukraine and other allies, takes place the day before.