Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi could be considered to represent Europe in potential negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Andrey Kortunov, a political analyst and expert at the Valdai International Discussion Club, raised this possibility in an interview with NEWS.ru, noting that both current and former European leaders could take on the role.

According to Kortunov, the biggest obstacle is determining whose interests the future negotiator would actually represent. If the person is expected to speak for the entire European Union, the appointment would need approval at the European Commission level. Another possibility would involve a group of EU member states launching their own diplomatic initiative and selecting a representative to engage with Moscow.

The question of whether the negotiator should be an active political leader also remains unresolved. Kortunov pointed to Finnish President Alexander Stubb as one potential option. However, he stressed that the role could equally go to a respected political figure who has already stepped away from public office. Merkel and Draghi fit this alternative approach, although other prominent European politicians could also be considered.

Kortunov emphasized that identifying a suitable candidate remains particularly difficult. Whoever takes responsibility for the discussions must not only reflect the interests of European countries but also command the trust of the Russian side. Both factors would be essential when selecting a representative for negotiations with Putin.

Meanwhile, Western journalists have previously reported that five European leaders are being considered as potential negotiators with Russia over Ukraine. The list includes Stubb, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Czech President Petr Pavel, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.