Europe, in search of a peace mediator: who could open the dialogue with Russia (Politico)

Europe is under pressure to find a credible negotiator in the conflict with Russia, and the name of the head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, is viewed with skepticism due to her firm positions against the Kremlin, according to Politico.

Kaja Kallas, the Prime Minister of Estonia, has been a vocal critic of direct negotiations with Russia, but last week she was proposed as a negotiator for the EU dialogue with Moscow, claiming that she can 'see through Russia's traps.' However, three anonymous EU diplomats told Politico that her firm anti-Russian stance would lead to a quick rejection from Vladimir Putin, which led to the conclusion that she has been excluded from the running.

Brussels continues to seek other candidates, including former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi.

Vladimir Putin named former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a suitable negotiator, but Kaja Kallas rejected this proposal. At the same time, Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that Europe will decide who will represent it in negotiations with Russia.