French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have clashed with several European partners over efforts by European Council President António Costa to establish a communication channel with the Kremlin, highlighting growing divisions inside the EU over how to approach Moscow, according to Politico. Further reading: Costa +Opens+Backchannel+With+Moscow%2C+Leaders+Divided+Over+ Russia +Contact+Strategy" target="_blank">EU Shockwave: Costa Opens Backchannel With Moscow,