European Union leaders are ​preparing for potential ‌talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, ​the Financial ​Times reported on Thursday, ⁠citing a ​senior official.

European Council ​President António Costa said he saw “potential” for ​the EU ​to negotiate with Putin and ‌said ⁠the bloc had the backing of Ukrainian ​President ​Volodymyr ⁠Zelenskiy to do so, according ​to the ​report.

Reuters ⁠could not immediately verify the ⁠report.