European governments are discussing the possibility of appointing a representative to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the war in Ukraine. Finnish President Alexander Stubb and European Council President António Costa are among the potential candidates, Politico reported, citing European diplomats.
The discussions intensified following a visit to Russia by U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, who proposed resuming negotiations involving Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
European countries fear that discussions about Ukraine's future without full European participation could lead to decisions directly affecting their security, sanctions policies and relations with Russia.
Czech President Petr Pavel told journalists that European countries needed to identify an individual or group of politicians who could be given a joint negotiating mandate. He said the representatives would not necessarily have to come from the European Union or NATO.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas have also been mentioned as possible participants. However, Politico's sources expressed doubts that Putin would agree to substantive negotiations with leaders of European institutions who have taken a firm stance toward Moscow.
Stubb is considered a potential candidate because of his contacts with the Trump administration and Finland's experience in relations with Russia.
Some diplomats believe Costa could represent the EU's institutional interests. However, according to Politico's sources, he did not support immediately opening separate talks with Putin at a recent EU summit.
Other diplomats argue that representatives of the European Commission and European Council should be involved from the preparatory stage, even if a national leader ultimately becomes the principal negotiator.
The European Commission has emphasized that EU representatives already participated in consultations in Oslo ahead of Witkoff's visit to St. Petersburg.
No final decision has been made on appointing a European negotiator. The representative's mandate, the format of possible contacts with Moscow and participation in future negotiations have yet to be agreed.