The French and German leaders criticized efforts by European Council President António Costa to establish contacts with Moscow, exposing divisions within the EU over who should lead any future talks with Russia.

European Council President Antonio Costa has contacted the Kremlin to discuss ending the Ukraine war, signaling a shift in Europe's diplomatic approach.

Some European leaders have also pushed back against efforts by Britain, France and Germany - known as the E3 - to take the diplomatic lead for Europe in any dialogue with the…