Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal has expressed strong support for European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas as a negotiator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, asserting that Russian President Vladimir Putin should not influence the EU’s choice of representatives. Speaking ahead of a European leaders’ summit in Dublin, Michal emphasized the importance of European leaders, like Kallas and European Council President António Costa, in representing the bloc’s interests.
Michal’s remarks come amid discussions in Europe about appointing a new EU peace envoy, a proposal he opposes, arguing that current leaders already have the necessary authority for such negotiations. Some European governments have raised concerns about Kallas’s suitability due to her strong stance against Moscow and advocacy for tougher sanctions on Russia. However, Michal insists that Europe should be represented by leaders accountable to its member states rather than by figures acceptable to Putin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also called for direct European involvement in peace negotiations, highlighting that decisions impacting European security should not exclude the continent’s participation. Zelensky has urged European leaders to appoint representatives by the end of November, emphasizing the need for Europe to be an equal partner in talks involving Ukraine and Russia.
The division among European leaders reflects broader diplomatic efforts to find a resolution to the ongoing war. While some advocate for using existing EU institutions for negotiations, others suggest appointing a separate representative with direct access to Moscow. Michal, however, underscores that any peace agreement should aim for a fair and lasting settlement between Ukraine and Russia, free from undue influence on Europe’s security arrangements by Moscow.