Politico: EU May Appoint Its Representative To Ukraine Peace Talks
- 14.01.2026, 11:40
The major candidates have been named.
European governments are pressuring the EU to appoint a negotiator to represent their interests on Ukraine, fearing the US will cut a deal with Russia behind their backs.
This is reported by Politico.
Critics warn of risks to the negotiator
The backers of the plan, including France and Italy, have secured the support of the European Commission and several countries for the position, three unnamed diplomats and officials with direct knowledge of the talks told Politico.
They say Europe will only be able to defend its "red lines," such as Ukraine's possible future NATO membership, if the EU has a seat at the table.
Politico notes that the unprecedented move would represent a major shift in Europe's approach to the series of bilateral talks organized by US President Donald Trump, and comes at a time when the continent is eager to demonstrate a willingness to play a major role in any settlement that ends the four-year war.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have joined forces in recent weeks to call for opening diplomatic channels with Putin and his inner circle, even as peace talks initiated by the White House have stalled.
Serious disagreement remains over the details of that position. Critics say the appointment of a negotiator would imply that Russia is willing to negotiate in good faith and would agree to anything short of complete subjugation of Ukraine.
"There are some issues that cannot be discussed [only] with the United States when they have direct implications for our security as Europeans. A message to Washington is as important as [a message] to Moscow," the unnamed official told the publication.
A senior EU official confirmed that European leaders first discussed the idea of a special envoy back at an EU summit last March. Although the proposal was widely supported, no decision was taken then, and it was not included in the next joint statement.
The role of this envoy should focus on representing Brussels in negotiations together with Kiev - a very different concept from Italian Prime Minister Meloni's proposal for a mediator on behalf of Moscow.
"Countries that supported an envoy from Ukraine may not support an envoy to negotiate with Russia," the official said.
Who could take on the role of special envoy from Europe
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas has consistently positioned herself as the only candidate for any role in the Ukraine talks. The former Estonian prime minister is a staunch ally of Kiev and has used her position to persuade the capital to back increased sanctions against Russia.
Officials have confirmed that key details of the post have yet to be decided: whether she will represent the EU alone or a wider "coalition of the willing" including the UK and other countries.
It has also not been decided what diplomatic rank she will hold and whether it will be a formal appointment or an informal delegation to the current national leader.
Italian government minister Giovanbattista Fazzolari, an ally of Meloni, said over the weekend that former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi should be offered the post of special envoy.
The four diplomats added that Finnish President Alexander Stubb is often seen as a potential European representative in talks with Washington and Moscow. The experienced diplomat has a friendly relationship with Trump and, given Finland's proximity to Russia, could participate in the talks without formally legitimizing the Kremlin's positions.
Two EU officials told Politico that the position of special envoy to Europe for talks with Russian Federation does not yet exist and any discussion of candidates is premature. But a third added: "No position exists until it is created."