Discussions are underway in Europe regarding potential mediators for the negotiations on the war in Ukraine
After Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a mediator between Kyiv and Moscow, a wave of criticism swept across Europe.
The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said it would be “not very wise” to allow Russia to choose a negotiator on Europe’s behalf.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany, Oleksiy Makeyev, said that a man who had represented Russian interests in Germany for years had “neither moral nor political legitimacy” to act as a mediator.
The Kremlin’s proposal may indicate growing difficulties for Russia in the war against Ukraine, which is now in its fourth year.
Last year, US President Donald Trump first met with Vladimir Putin and then with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Following this, the negotiation process gained momentum.
In November, Trump presented a 28-point peace plan which, according to Der Spiegel, was favourable to Moscow. Volodymyr Zelenskyy put forward his own initiatives and demonstrated a willingness to compromise, particularly regarding a freeze on the conflict and the issue of Ukraine’s NATO membership.
Subsequently, US involvement in the negotiations waned, and Trump shifted his focus to the war against Iran. European countries, meanwhile, remained effectively sidelined from the negotiation process.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Europe is ready to take on more responsibility and is holding consultations with the US and Ukraine.
According to the Financial Times, European Union leaders are preparing for possible negotiations.
Among the possible candidates for mediators, German government circles are discussing German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. He served as Foreign Minister for a long time and is acquainted with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
At the same time, in Eastern European and Baltic countries, Steinmeier is criticised for his previous policy towards Russia.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel is also mentioned in the discussion. The article notes that her advantage is that she does not currently hold public office. Merkel is personally acquainted with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy and speaks Russian.
Angela Merkel’s office stated that no requests regarding a possible role as a mediator had been received.
Other possible candidates mentioned include former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
Alexander Stubb has previously advocated for direct negotiations between European countries and Russia to end the war and has contacts with Donald Trump.
Wolfgang Ischinger, former head of the Munich Security Conference, stated that any role for Germany in the negotiations is only possible with broad support from other European countries, primarily the states of Eastern Europe and the Baltic region.
