EU Rejects Immediate Putin Talks Despite France, Italy Calls: 'Not There Yet'

• The EU stated conditions are not suitable for high-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the war in Ukraine.
• EU spokeswoman Paula Pinho indicated that while talks will eventually be necessary, Putin shows no signs of engagement.
• French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have called for Europe to re-engage with Moscow.
• Meloni suggested appointing a special envoy for Ukraine talks, while Macron sought a 'framework' for Kremlin outreach.
• Any direct EU engagement with Putin is expected to face resistance from hawkish Eastern European countries.

Why It Matters: EU says it's 'not there yet' for high-level talks with Putin, despite calls from France and Italy.