EU weighs Draghi, Merkel and Stubb for talks with Putin over Ukraine war
Photo: The EU will discuss next week who could become a negotiator with Russia (Getty Images)
EU foreign ministers will discuss possible candidates for the role of negotiator with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine during a meeting in Cyprus next week, according to the Financial Times.
According to the report, the EU is currently discussing whether former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi or former German Chancellor Angela Merkel could represent Europe in potential negotiations with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Sources told the newspaper that, in addition to Draghi and Merkel, some governments have proposed Finnish President Alexander Stubb as well as his predecessor Sauli Niinistö. Niinistö’s name is reportedly being mentioned publicly for the first time.
The discussions in Cyprus will take place after Washington and Kyiv expressed support for Europe establishing direct dialogue with the Russian ruler regarding the war in Ukraine, sources familiar with the talks said.
According to FT sources, the administration of US President Donald Trump informed the EU that it does not object to Europe holding talks with Putin in parallel with US-led peace negotiations.
The report notes that discussions on the issue are taking place at various levels, and formal talks among EU leaders at the June summit are also possible.
A senior Ukrainian official said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would like the European side in negotiations with Russia to be led by “someone like Draghi” or “strong, current [state] leader.”
According to the source, Zelenskyy is expected to discuss the issue later this week with the leaders of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Sources also noted that Draghi is viewed as a trusted figure respected across the EU, and that his technocratic experience could fit the situation well.
One European official said that while Niinistö “is one of the few Europeans to have a working relationship with Putin . . . Russians are very upset with Finland at present.”
“I think it would have to be somebody from a country like the Netherlands or Portugal who doesn’t have the baggage that countries in the east have,” the official added.
At the meeting, EU foreign ministers will also discuss what Europe would demand in post-conflict relations with Russia, what red lines they have regarding a potential settlement in Ukraine, and what preconditions they would require before starting any negotiations with the Kremlin.
The newspaper noted that some governments are concerned about the discussion itself and fear it could expose divisions within the EU over Ukraine and Russia.
Europe-Russia talks
As previously reported, European leaders are considering the possibility of resuming negotiations with Russia.
The Russian leader said he considers former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder the best EU candidate to participate in possible talks on ending the war.
Germany, however, rejected the idea. One German official stressed that Schröder’s candidacy as a mediator between the EU and Russia is not being considered.
On Monday, May 11, media outlets reported that Berlin was discussing the candidacy of President Frank-Walter Steinmeier as a possible negotiator between Europe and Russia.
In addition, Kaja Kallas suggested she could potentially act as an EU negotiator in future dialogue with Russia.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico proposed that Europe should be represented in talks with Putin by “someone who understands the Russian soul.”
Meanwhile, Politico named Merkel, Stubb, and Draghi among the potential candidates for the role of negotiator with Russia.
However, Merkel has already declined the role of mediator.
More details on who could represent the EU in negotiations with Russia on ending the war can be found in RBC-Ukraine’s report.
