Key facts
- European governments are considering nominating a negotiator for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff proposed a three-way summit with Putin, Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Czech President Petr Pavel stated Putin disregards the EU as an authority.
- Finland's President Alexander Stubb is considered a potential candidate due to his relationship with Trump and Finland's border with Russia.
- European Council President António Costa is seen by some as a potential 'honest broker'.
European governments are increasingly recognizing the need to nominate a representative for direct peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the conflict in Ukraine. The urgency of this matter has been amplified by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's recent trip to Russia, where he proposed a trilateral summit involving Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The primary challenge lies in selecting an individual or group to undertake this sensitive role, with internal discussions highlighting the complexities of EU protocols versus direct Kremlin engagement. Figures like Finland's President Alexander Stubb and European Council President António Costa are being considered as potential European representatives, each with perceived strengths in navigating relations with both Russia and the U.S.