EU may appoint its representative to Ukraine peace talks — Politico
Photo: Finnish President Alexander Stubb is seen as a potential EU envoy (Getty Images)
European governments are pressuring the EU to appoint a negotiator who will represent their interests regarding Ukraine, fearing that the US will conclude an agreement with Russia behind their backs, Politico reports.
Critics warn of risks for negotiator
Supporters of the plan, including France and Italy, have secured the backing of the European Commission and a number of countries for the position, three unnamed diplomats and officials familiar with the negotiations told Politico.
They say that Europe will only be able to defend its red lines, such as Ukraine's possible future membership in NATO, if the EU has a seat at the negotiating table.
Politico notes that this unprecedented move would be a major shift in Europe's approach to a series of bilateral talks organized by US President Donald Trump and comes at a time when the continent is seeking to demonstrate its willingness to play an important role in any settlement that would end the four-year war.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have joined forces in recent weeks, calling for the opening of diplomatic channels with Putin and his inner circle, even as peace talks initiated by the White House have stalled.
There remain big differences over the details of this position. Critics say that appointing a negotiator would mean that Russia is ready to negotiate in good faith and will agree to everything except the complete subjugation of Ukraine.
"There are some issues which cannot be discussed with [only] the US when they have direct implications on our security as Europeans. The message to Washington is as important as [the message] to Moscow," an unnamed official tells the agency.
A senior EU official confirms that European leaders first discussed the idea of a special envoy at the EU summit in March last year. Although the proposal received broad support, no decision was taken at the time, and it was not included in the subsequent joint statement.
The role of this envoy would be to represent Brussels in negotiations alongside Kyiv — a completely different concept from Italian Prime Minister Meloni's proposal for a mediator on behalf of Moscow.
"Countries that were supportive of a Ukraine envoy may not be supportive of an envoy to speak with Russia," the official says.
Who could take on role of special envoy from Europe
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas has consistently positioned herself as the only candidate for any role in the negotiations on Ukraine. She is a reliable ally of Kyiv and has used her position to persuade the capital to support tougher sanctions against Russia.
Officials have confirmed that key details of the position have not yet been determined: whether she will represent only the EU or a broader Coalition of the Willing, including the UK and other countries.
It is also unclear what diplomatic rank she will hold and whether it will be a formal appointment or an informal delegation to the current national leader.
Italian government minister Giovanbattista Fazzolari, an ally of Meloni, said last weekend that former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi should be offered the position of special envoy.
Four diplomats add that Finnish President Alexander Stubb is often seen as a potential representative of Europe in negotiations with Washington and Moscow. The experienced diplomat has a friendly relationship with Trump and, given Finland's proximity to Russia, could participate in negotiations without formally legitimizing the Kremlin's position.
Two EU officials tell Politico that the position of special envoy to Europe for negotiations with Russia does not currently exist, and any discussion of candidates is premature. But a third adds that "none of these jobs exist until they do".
G7 allies plan to meet with Donald Trump in Davos on January 21 to enlist his support for security guarantees for Ukraine. Officials are currently agreeing on the details of the talks, which other leaders of the coalition of the willing may also join.
Ukraine is negotiating with international partners to obtain security guarantees that will cover protection on land, in the air, and at sea. At the same time, the issue of deploying a nuclear umbrella over Ukrainian territory is not currently being discussed.
