World · Europe · 1 hr ago
Europe considers appointing a negotiator for talks with Putin on Ukraine
European leaders are considering appointing a representative to negotiate with Putin about the war in Ukraine.
The discussion comes as Europeans worry that Washington could make a deal with Moscow without taking their interests into account.
Until now, European governments have backed Ukraine and used sanctions against Russia while trying to influence US President Donald Trump’s approach.
A possible proposal would let Russia take control of all the Donbas in return for Ukraine joining NATO, though another option would freeze the fighting at the current front line and keep Ukraine out of the alliance.
The possible terms remain disputed, and a Russian expert said Moscow would not accept a package that included freezing the conflict along the current front line.
Czech President Petr Pavel said the negotiator could be a leader or group given a mandate by other European countries, rather than an EU or NATO official.
Europe is weighing a separate role in diplomacy, while US envoy Steve Witkoff has also held talks with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
European leaders are considering appointing a person or group to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine on Europe’s behalf.
The discussion reflects concern that Washington could reach an agreement with Moscow without taking European interests into account.
Czech President Petr Pavel said the representatives need not be officials from the European Union or NATO.
Possible candidates reported by RBC include Finnish President Alexander Stubb and European Council President António Costa.
A possible proposal described by the Financial Times would trade Russian control of Donbas for Ukraine’s NATO membership, but no decision on a negotiator was reported.
- Who
- European leaders are considering appointing a negotiator; Czech President Petr Pavel has called for a person or group to be chosen.
- What
- Europe is weighing direct talks with Putin on Ukraine.
- When
- The reports were published on October 20, 21 and 22, 2026.
- Where
- The talks would be with Putin in Russia; the discussion concerns Europe’s role in negotiations over Ukraine.
- Why
- European countries fear Washington could reach an agreement with Moscow without accounting for EU interests.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the leaders of Norway and Finland in Oslo.
Putin met U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, and discussions on settling the war in Ukraine were part of the meeting.
Reports described European consideration of a negotiator to conduct talks with Putin on Europe’s behalf.
- Potential negotiator
- Finnish President Alexander Stubb or European Council President António Costa
- Czech proposal
- A person or group could be given a mandate by other European leaders
- Possible Donbas option
- Russia receives control of all Donbas; Ukraine could then join NATO
- Alternative proposal
- Freeze the conflict along the front line in exchange for a guarantee that Ukraine will not join NATO
- Oslo meeting
- October 20, 2026, with Zelensky, leaders of Norway and Finland, Witkoff and Kushner
4 sources
Politico: Европа задумалась о поиске переговорщика для диалога с Путиным
Politico узнало о поисках ЕС переговорщика с Путиным по Украине
Talking to Putin: Europe seeks a negotiator-in-chief for Ukraine
Europe is preparing for direct talks with Putin, FT reports. One possible proposal: Russia gets Donbas, Ukraine gets NATO membership.
What people are saying
They could simply be leaders whom the others give a mandate to conduct negotiations.
As irritating as it may be, some channel of communication with Putin would be useful.
chosen the side
We don’t have a formal alliance as far as I know with Ukraine. They’re not in NATO. I don’t think that they should be in NATO.