The European Union is preparing to begin high-level negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, with one of the key figures in the discussions potentially being Finnish President Alexander Stubb, writes the Finnish publication Helsingin Sanomat (HS).
According to the publication, Europe is still forming its approach to a potential negotiation process, but the question of who could represent Europe in possible negotiations with Moscow is already being discussed in expert and diplomatic circles.
As sources from HS in several European countries note, the name of Stubb is being considered as one of the most likely candidates for the European negotiator. It is emphasized that the process is at its earliest stage, and no final decisions have been made yet - including the very fact of a possible start of negotiations.
The idea of European participation in negotiations has gained momentum against the backdrop of concerns that the EU may be sidelined from a possible peace process, which is largely being advanced with the involvement of the United States.
Discussions about the role of a European mediator are not new, but previously they did not move into a practical dimension. This time, the topic received additional impetus after, according to sources, the Ukrainian side once again raised the issue of European participation at closed meetings with EU leaders.
However, within the European Union, disagreements remain regarding the conditions for possible negotiations. A number of countries insist that dialogue with Moscow is only possible after the cessation of hostilities and the establishment of a ceasefire. This position is supported, in particular, by Lithuania, whose president Gitanas Nausėda previously stated that it is premature to talk about negotiations without a ceasefire.
Latvia holds a different opinion. As reported by bb.lv, in February, then-Prime Minister of Latvia Evika Silin unexpectedly stated that she wanted to meet with Putin.
"Yes, we (the EU) really need an envoy. Probably, the question is who that will be. And I think we have many options. I am ready to go if needed," Silin said, but no one took her enthusiasm seriously.
Recall that Putin proposed appointing Gerhard Schröder, but this was immediately rejected by the EU.
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