EU Officials Plot Lighter Touch on Russia But It’s a Tough Sell

As European Union leaders prepare to review the bloc’s strategy on Russia this month, some of the most senior officials in Brussels are privately advocating a shift to a less combative approach -- putting them at odds with some member states that say the Kremlin’s actions are only getting worse.

Foreign-policy chief Josep Borrell hosted a dinner Monday with EU ambassador to Moscow Markus Ederer and other top officials, according to a person familiar with the meeting. Ederer argued that the stance on Russia is outdated and too focused on the Ukraine conflict, and needs to move on, recommending the European Council instruct Borrell to devise a new way forward, said the person, who asked not to be named as the discussions weren’t public.