EU pushes for special envoy to join Russia-Ukraine peace talks

European nations are urging the European Union administration to appoint a special envoy to handle contacts with Moscow, aiming to safeguard their interests and ensure they are not excluded from potential negotiations regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

According to a report by Politico citing diplomats and officials, diplomatic activity in Brussels has accelerated.

Three sources familiar with the matter stated that the proposal, which aims to prevent the US from cutting a deal with Russia “behind their backs,” is garnering support from the European Commission as well as leading member states such as France and Italy.

Proponents of the initiative argue that the EU’s presence at the negotiating table is vital for defending Europe’s position on critical issues, such as Ukraine’s potential NATO membership.

Macron and Meloni push for opening diplomatic channels

French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have made public calls in recent weeks for the reopening of diplomatic channels with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The leaders point out that US-led discussions have reached an “impasse.”

An unnamed European official indicated that the French leader is insistent that the EU must participate “at least partially” in the negotiation process between the Americans and the Russians, a view supported by the Italian Prime Minister.

Draghi and Stubb stand out among candidates

In Brussels, a full consensus has not yet been reached regarding the core duties, responsibilities, and powers of the negotiator to be appointed.

Debates continue over whether the representative would act directly on behalf of the EU or a “coalition of the willing,” as well as whether the individual should be an active politician or a bureaucrat.

Sources speaking to Politico pointed to Finnish President Alexander Stubb as a potential candidate for the role, while circles in Rome believe former Italian Prime Minister and former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi is a suitable name for the post.

EU representatives, however, stated that as no special envoy position officially exists at present, it is premature to discuss candidates.

Kremlin conditions acceptance of ‘realities on the ground’

According to information obtained by Politico, the idea of appointing a special envoy for Ukraine was first raised regarding the March 2025 EU summit and received significant support, though no concrete decision was taken at the time.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in early December that the EU had severed contacts with Russia on its own initiative and was obstructing the initiatives of US President Donald Trump.

Putin signaled that he could return to resolution negotiations with Ukraine provided that Europe takes “realities on the ground” into account.

A response also came from the Kremlin following Macron’s call for the EU to restart dialogue with Russia within the scope of a peaceful solution.

Moscow stated, “If there is mutual political will, this can only be evaluated positively.” However, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed skepticism regarding whether European leaders could make a positive contribution to the American peace plan, given their current “moods.”