The British publication Telegraph, citing diplomatic sources, reports that European leaders are studying five candidates who could represent them at possible talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on ways to settle the Ukrainian conflict.
The publication lists the possible negotiators: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Czech President Petr Pavel, as well as Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
According to the newspaper, in recent weeks Europe has stepped up its search for representatives to take part in peace talks. The reason is fears that US President Donald Trump allegedly no longer protects the interests of the European continent to the proper extent.
The publication quotes a source familiar with the discussions: "Europe has come to an understanding: first of all, a consensus is needed on the fact that we need to negotiate with the Russians. Secondly, a consensus is needed on what exactly our position should be."
The newspaper Politico previously reported that Europe had begun discussing a candidate for dialogue with Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder a preferable mediator in the talks. At the same time, he stressed: Europeans must themselves choose a leader whom they trust and who has not made harsh statements toward Moscow.