Politico, citing unnamed EU diplomats, writes that European countries are discussing who could become the negotiator for dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin on settling the Ukrainian conflict.
The article notes: "European governments have come to the realization that soon they will have to name someone who will meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin as part of direct negotiations on a peace agreement."
According to the outlet, there is no consensus in the bloc on a possible candidate yet, but the issue has become especially relevant after the trip of US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff to St. Petersburg.
Among the possible options, Finnish President Alexander Stubb is named - given the historical experience of diplomatic interaction between Helsinki and Moscow, as well as his good relations with the American leader.
In addition, European Council President Antonio Costa is being considered, who, according to one of the publication's interlocutors, is able to represent the interests of the bloc's countries more effectively than European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
An unnamed European diplomat also added that the candidate is expected to be able to defend the position of the entire EU, and not only its key countries.
Vladimir Putin has named former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as his preferred candidate for the role of mediator in the negotiations. At the same time, he emphasized that Europeans should themselves choose a leader whom they trust and who has not made harsh statements toward Moscow.