Ukraine, Ft: EU evaluates Draghi or Merkel as intermediaries with Putin

European Union governments are reportedly considering choosing former prime minister and ECB President Mario Draghi or former German Chancellor Angela Merkel as the Union's representatives in potential negotiations with President Russian Vladimir Putin. The Financial Times writes this, citing informed sources.

According to the British newspaper, the details will be discussed by EU foreign ministers at a European summit next week in Cyprus. Both Kiev and Washington have expressed their support for a resumption of dialogue between Europe and Russia over the conflict in Ukraine. In particular, Donald Trump's administration has told its European allies that it is not averse to negotiating efforts in parallel with American efforts, which have not produced results due to Russia's demands, which are deemed inadmissible to Ukraine. Also according to the Financial Times, formal discussions on the issue could take place at an EU summit in June.

Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed his support for the European initiative: 'We expect Europe to be strong, and we are doing everything we can to make sure that European interests are taken into account, as are those of Ukraine'. A senior Ukrainian official reportedly expressed a desire for the negotiations to be led by 'someone like Draghi' or 'a strong, incumbent European leader'. Financial Times sources reported that Draghi is seen as a guarantee and a respected European profile, with technocratic experience that could be useful in these circumstances.

A spokesman for Draghi declined to comment on the issue. Asked about her readiness to take up the post, the former chancellor instead replied that others would probably be more suitable, stressing that Putin only takes interim leaders seriously. Asked separately on Monday about Merkel, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said instead that the EU partners were "discussing the issue in depth" and refused to comment on individual names. The current German leadership is rather sceptical about the possibility of entrusting the negotiations to Merkel, who has been accused of increasing energy dependence on Russia during her tenure. According to the Financial Times, the EU foreign ministers' meeting will also include discussions on what Europe would require in a post-conflict relationship with Russia, what would be the red lines for a potential agreement in Ukraine, and what would be the prerequisites for possible talks with the Kremlin.