Europe considers Finland's Stubb as possible envoy for talks with Putin - Politico
European governments are discussing who could represent them in potential peace negotiations with Russia, with Finnish President Alexander Stubb emerging as one possible candidate, Politico reported on October 21, citing European diplomats.
The debate has intensified following U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's visit to Moscow, as European leaders seek to ensure their interests and Ukraine's position are represented in negotiations involving Washington and the Kremlin.
Stubb is attracting interest because of Finland's long experience dealing with Russia and his close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump.
"Stubb is of interest because of Finnish knowledge of and traditional dialogue with Russia," one EU diplomat told Politico.
Another diplomat said Stubb could serve as a European representative at a future peace summit. The Finnish president attended talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Witkoff in Oslo on October 20.
Other potential representatives include European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
According to one diplomat, EU leaders asked Costa at a summit in Brussels last week whether he should contact Putin.
"Costa said, no, he's not going to talk to Putin now," the diplomat said, arguing that Europe needs a direct channel to Moscow if it wants to influence negotiations.
Czech President Petr Pavel has also called for Europe to appoint a representative or group of representatives authorized to negotiate with Russia.
"President Putin disregards the European Union as an authority," Pavel told the Axel Springer Global Reporters' Network.
The European Commission maintains that the EU is already involved in peace efforts, pointing to the participation of senior Commission official Bjoern Seibert in the Oslo talks.
No agreement has been reached on who would represent Europe in direct negotiations with Putin.