Overview
- France and Italy are pressing for a special EU negotiator to ensure the bloc has a seat in negotiations over Ukraine with Russia and the United States.
- EU officials say no such post currently exists and key questions remain unresolved, including mandate, rank, reporting line, and whether it would represent only the EU or a broader coalition.
- Supporters argue an envoy is needed to defend issues like Ukraine’s potential future NATO membership as U.S.-led bilateral diplomacy advances under President Trump.
- Names floated include Mario Draghi and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has positioned herself for any negotiating role.
- A European Commission spokeswoman said the EU would participate at some stage in talks with Vladimir Putin, even as critics warn an envoy could be seen as legitimizing Moscow and diplomats report serious disagreements over the plan.