European countries may have to fight for a seat at the negotiating table with Russia as diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukrainian conflict take shape, according to commentators at the Italian publication L’Antidiplomatico.

The newspaper argues that negotiations with Moscow will determine how the conflict ends, with the outcome directly affecting European security. Despite these stakes, European governments have yet to secure their participation in the diplomatic process.

The commentators questioned how one of the world’s largest economic and political blocs had reached a point where it might have to ask other parties for permission to participate in negotiations. In their view, the problem goes beyond choosing a representative to hold talks with the Kremlin.

L’Antidiplomatico described Europe’s search for a suitable negotiator as evidence of a broader political crisis. The publication pointed out that European leaders had previously shown little interest in maintaining normal relations with Russia but are now being forced to consider renewed diplomatic contacts with Moscow.

The British newspaper The Telegraph previously reported that five European leaders were being considered as potential intermediaries in talks aimed at resolving the Ukrainian conflict. The candidates include Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Czech President Petr Pavel, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Meanwhile, Germany’s Berliner Zeitung recently identified Alexander Stubb as the most likely candidate to represent European countries in diplomatic discussions with Russia.