The EU has expanded the list of candidates for the role of representative in negotiations with Russia
Politico has reported that the European Union has expanded its list of potential candidates for the role of chief negotiator with Russia.
Among the new contenders are European Council President António Costa, former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.
Previously, Politico had named former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi as likely candidates.
According to the publication, senior officials from countries that maintain close ties with Ukraine oppose the idea of appointing a separate European representative for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
They believe that Vladimir Putin is not showing any serious willingness to agree to a ceasefire, and that appointing a negotiator could weaken efforts to put pressure on Russia through sanctions.
At the same time, calls within the EU for the appointment of a representative for direct contacts with Moscow are growing, against the backdrop of the US gradually stepping back from its role as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated during the GLOBSEC conference in Prague that Europe must be “cautious” about rushing into negotiations with Russia.
“We do not want Ukraine to perceive us as people who are pressuring it to make compromises,” Sikorski said.
Earlier, Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that he was ready to act as the European Union’s representative in potential peace talks with Russia.
“If I am asked whether I am willing to act as a negotiator, that is probably a question one cannot answer in the negative,” he said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously stated that Europe should have its own representative at the talks with Russia. Alexander Stubb noted that he was ready to fulfil such a role should he be asked.
