The EU is divided over who should serve as the negotiator for talks with Russia, according to Politico
European Union member states are divided over the possible appointment of a special representative for contacts with Russia. Some countries view such an initiative as a risky concession to the Kremlin, while others see it as a pragmatic tool amid the diminishing role of the United States as the primary mediator.
This is reported by Politico.
The debate has intensified ahead of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, where the issue of future contacts with Moscow may become one of the key topics.
The most pro-Ukrainian EU member states oppose the creation of such a position. In particular, Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia fear that any format of direct dialogue with Russia could be used by the Kremlin to stall for time and weaken the pressure of sanctions.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated:
“We don’t want Ukraine to perceive us as someone who is pressuring them to make compromises,” he said during the GLOBSEC conference in Prague.
A similar position was expressed by the foreign ministers of Estonia and Lithuania, who warn of the risk of a “negotiation trap” on Russia’s part.
The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, is also skeptical of the idea of appointing a special negotiator, emphasizing the need to maintain a united and firm stance toward Moscow.
The European Union is discussing the possible appointment of a special mediator for contacts with Russia, and Angela Merkel is among the leading candidates. Mario Draghi and Alexander Stubb are also being considered, but no final decision has been made yet due to disagreements among diplomats.
It should be noted that Merkel is being considered as a potential mediator in negotiations between the EU and Russia.
Berlin has called theRussian Federation’s proposal regarding Schröder’s mediation a fiction.
