EU Weighs Draghi or Merkel for Possible Ukraine Talks With Putin

The European Union is considering resuming direct communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussing who could represent the bloc in possible negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, the Financial Times reported.

According to the newspaper, possible candidates include former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss the issue in Cyprus next week.

Brussels cut off most formal contacts with Moscow after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, both the United States and Ukraine support greater European involvement in peace talks with Moscow.

According to sources, Kyiv would prefer a figure of Draghi’s stature or a prominent serving European leader. Merkel has suggested that an active politician would be preferable, arguing that Putin takes serving leaders especially seriously.

However, there is no consensus within the EU. Some member states fear that debate over negotiations with Moscow could further expose the bloc’s divisions over Russia and the war in Ukraine.

(mja)