European Union countries are divided over proposals to appoint a European envoy for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Politico reported on Tuesday, May 26.
According to the report, officials from countries closely supporting Ukraine are pushing back against the idea, arguing that Putin is not serious about a ceasefire and that direct talks could undermine efforts to pressure Russia through sanctions.
Calls to appoint a European negotiator reportedly intensified as the United States stepped back from its previous role as mediator between Ukraine and Russia.
However, EU member states remain deeply split over whether such a move would help end the war.
Poland and Baltic states warn against talks with Moscow
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said Europe should avoid rushing into negotiations with Russia.
“We don’t want to be seen by Ukraine as people who put pressure on them to make compromises,” Sikorski said at the GLOBSEC conference in Prague, according to Politico.
The foreign ministers of Estonia and Lithuania reportedly expressed similar concerns, warning that Putin could use negotiations as a “trap” to prolong talks and win concessions.
EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss possible direct engagement with Russia during an informal gathering later this week.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has also reportedly expressed skepticism about the proposal.
Several European figures mentioned as possible envoys
Politico reported that supporters of direct talks have floated several names as potential European negotiators.
Among them are former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.
Earlier,Merkel said Europe is failing to use its diplomatic influence to help end Russia’s war against Ukraine, and criticized the EU for not maintaining enough contact with Moscow. She dismissed suggestions she could personally mediate negotiations, arguing only current leaders with political power could credibly negotiate with Vladimir Putin.
Stubb reiterated interest in the role over the weekend but said he would only proceed at the request of EU leaders and after a firm ceasefire agreement, Politico says.
The report also noted growing debate inside Europe over whether countries already carrying much of Ukraine’s financial burden should also take on a mediator role in possible future peace talks.