European Council President António Costa has caused controversy by initiating direct contact with Moscow, reportedly to explore avenues for negotiations with Vladimir Putin. This unilateral action, undertaken without prior consultation with EU member states, has been met with strong criticism in Brussels. Sources describe Costa’s move as a significant “affront” and a breach of established diplomatic protocols. The initiative raises questions about the EU’s unified approach to Russia and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Concerns are growing that Costa’s independent outreach could undermine ongoing efforts to present a united front against Russian aggression. The incident has prompted internal debate within the EU regarding the President’s authority and the need for greater coordination on sensitive foreign policy matters. It remains unclear what specific proposals were discussed during the call.