Finnish President Alexander Stubb is being discussed as a potential European representative for negotiations with Russia over the Ukraine conflict, according to German newspaper Berliner Zeitung.

The publication identified Stubb’s personal relationship with US President Donald Trump as a major advantage that could strengthen his position as a possible mediator between European governments and Moscow.

According to the newspaper, his contacts with Trump could help bridge differences between Washington and European capitals on security issues and approaches to resolving the conflict.

Berliner Zeitung also highlighted the Finnish president’s experience dealing with Russia, as well as his established contacts with Ukrainian officials. The newspaper suggested that these relationships could prove valuable in future diplomatic discussions.

The assessment comes amid reports that European politicians are considering appointing a special representative to conduct direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The proposed envoy would be expected to represent the interests of the European Union as a whole and receive the necessary authority to negotiate on its behalf.

However, Stubb is not the only political figure being discussed as a possible candidate.

Russian military political analyst Alexander Perendzhiev, an associate professor at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, previously suggested that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico could represent the EU in negotiations with Russia.

Perendzhiev argued that Fico would be a suitable candidate for such a role but expressed doubt that European Union leaders would approve his appointment.