At the BRICS–Europe Conference in Sochi on 14–16 November, I proposed a set of principles that can usefully inform the European Union’s diplomatic approach at this critical juncture:

• Reopen EU–Russia dialogue without contradicting U.S. interests.
• Involve the OSCE to negotiate confidence-building measures and limit conventional arms.
• Acknowledge and address radical nationalism in Ukraine.
• Protect all minorities across the conflict zone.
• Safeguard religious freedom and sacred sites.
• Take a pragmatic, not dogmatic, approach to territorial integrity.
• Avoid integrating Ukraine into EU military programmes.
• Prioritise humanitarian aid, economic support, and post-war reconstruction.