US President Donald Trump has recently raised concerns in Ukraine and among its European allies by opening talks with Putin without involving them. Europe definitely needs its own direct line of communication with the Kremlin to protect the region’s interests and strengthen Ukraine’s ability to resist being forced into an unfavorable peace deal. But to start a negotiation with Putin is not an easy task.
“President Putin disregards the European Union as an authority. He doesn’t want to talk to Ursula von der Leyen, he doesn’t talk to Kaja Kallas. He stopped talking to other European leaders, including Emmanuel Macron. That’s why EU should identify a person or a group of people who would speak for Europe,” Czech President Petr Pavel said.
According to Pavel, he or she would not necessarily have to be an EU or NATO official. It would be enough to appoint leaders authorized by others to conduct negotiations.
According to Politico, Finnish President Alexander Stubb has attracted particular attention among EU leaders because he operates outside the EU bureaucracy.
“Stubb is interesting precisely because of Finland’s experience and traditions of dialogue with Russia. In Europe, the Finns know better than anyone what it takes to ensure their own security under such circumstances,” a European diplomat explained to Politico.
At the same time, Ukraine, the United States and Europe held trilateral consultations in Norway, where they developed new peace initiatives.
