A Politico report reveals significant disagreement within the European Union regarding potential communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to five sources, French President Emmanuel Macron and German leader Friedrich Merz strongly criticized efforts by European Council President António Costa to establish contact with the Kremlin. The dispute centers on *whether* and *how* to re-engage in dialogue with Putin amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine, marking the 1577th day of the conflict. The report highlights a clear divide in approach, with some leaders favoring continued isolation of Russia while others see a need for backchannel negotiations. This internal friction underscores the challenges facing the EU in formulating a unified strategy towards Russia. The disagreement occurred during a recent summit, indicating the issue is currently a point of contention among top EU officials. No details were provided on the specific nature of Costa’s attempted contact.