European leaders consider negotiator for talks with Russia

European nations are discussing the appointment of a representative to conduct direct negotiations with Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. This movement follows a visit to St. Petersburg by Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for Donald Trump, who presented proposals for ending the conflict and encouraged trilateral negotiations involving the United States and Ukraine.

Potential candidates for the negotiating role include Finnish President Alexander Stubb and European Council President Antonio Costa. Other names mentioned include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas. Some diplomats suggest Costa might be a more acceptable mediator than von der Leyen or Kallas, who are viewed as being deeply committed to supporting Ukraine.

In a separate meeting in Oslo, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Steve Witkoff, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb to discuss peace ideas. Topics included air defense, energy infrastructure, food security, sanctions, and security guarantees. President Stubb and the Norwegian Prime Minister described the discussions as a constructive step toward peace.