EU split over Putin talks as bloc struggles to choose Russia negotiator
Photo: why the EU cannot choose a negotiator with Russia (Getty Images)
EU countries are divided over the idea of appointing a single negotiator with Russia: some see it as Putin’s trap, while others view it as a necessary step as the United States pulls back from its mediator role, according to Politico.
The disagreements among EU member states were revealed ahead of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers.
Why part of the EU is against it
Countries that most actively support Ukraine oppose the idea of appointing a negotiator. Their argument is that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is not serious about a ceasefire, and that appointing an envoy could weaken sanctions pressure on Russia.
“We don't want to be seen by Ukraine as people who put pressure on them to make compromises,” Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said at the GLOBSEC conference in Prague.
Foreign ministers from Estonia and Lithuania voiced similar positions. They warned of a potential Kremlin “trap” aimed at dragging out negotiations and extracting concessions from the EU.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is also skeptical about the proposal.
Who could become the negotiator
Despite the resistance, a list of candidates is already taking shape. Those mentioned behind closed doors include:
- António Costa, President of the European Council;
- Alexander Stubb, President of Finland;
- Mario Draghi, former head of the European Central Bank;
- Sauli Niinistö, former President of Finland;
- Jean-Claude Juncker, former President of the European Commission.
Stubb confirmed his interest in the role but set a condition: he would agree only if asked by EU leaders and only after a firm ceasefire is reached.
Ministers to discuss it this week
The issue of direct contact with Russia is on the agenda of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers scheduled for the coming days.
According to the Financial Times, ministers will discuss not only potential candidates, but also what Europe expects from post-conflict relations with Russia and what conditions it would set for starting negotiations.
Some governments fear the discussion itself could further expose divisions within the bloc.
Negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine
As RBC-Ukraine previously reported, Germany rejected the Kremlin’s proposal to involve former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder in negotiations between the EU and Russia. Berlin stressed that it sees no signs Moscow is ready for serious dialogue.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha mocked the Kremlin’s proposal regarding Schröder: “But definitely not Schröder. And just to get ahead of things, so the Russians stop suggesting others like Gérard Depardieu or Steven Seagal — I don't know, maybe they'll even drag Orbán in as a negotiator from their side.”
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Europe must be present at peace talks and should speak with a “strong voice.” He discussed the issue with António Costa.
RBC-Ukraine previously reported on who could represent the EU in negotiations — from “hawks” like Alexander Stubb to former ECB chief Mario Draghi, who froze more than 200 billion euros in Russian assets.
Recently, another name appeared among the candidates — former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, whom Financial Times added to the shortlist ahead of the Cyprus meeting.
