Overview
- France and Italy are leading a push for an EU negotiator, with backing reported inside the European Commission and from several member states.
- The effort responds to ongoing U.S.–Russia diplomacy under President Donald Trump, as European capitals worry their interests could be sidelined.
- No post has been created, and officials say key questions remain unresolved, including mandate, rank, reporting lines, and whether the envoy would represent only the EU or a broader coalition.
- Names floated include former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has positioned herself as the bloc’s lead voice on Ukraine.
- Critics warn the move could signal undue legitimacy for Moscow’s demands, and officials note a similar idea discussed in March 2025 was not adopted.