The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, stated that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder is not a suitable candidate to represent Europe in any peace talks aimed at ending the war between russia and Ukraine.
Politico reported this.
"First, if we give the right to Russia to appoint a negotiator on our behalf, that would not be very wise," Kallas said as she headed to a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels.
Schröder’s candidacy was proposed by russian dictator vladimir putin. Over the weekend, he expressed the view that Gerhard Schröder, who served as German chancellor from 1998 to 2005, could represent European countries in peace talks. Schröder previously worked for russian state-owned energy companies.
“And second, I think Gerhard Schröder has been the high-level lobbyist for Russian state-owned companies so it’s clear why Putin wants him to be the person, so he would be sitting on both sides of the table,” she added.
The publication notes that until now, the US has served as the main mediator in negotiations between russia and Ukraine, while Europe has remained on the sidelines—although some leaders have called on Europe to play a more active role.
Over the weekend, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Europe should participate in the negotiations as part of the so-called E3 group—comprising Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.
When asked under what conditions the EU might agree to direct talks with putin, Kallas replied that moscow must make concessions, and cited the withdrawal of russian troops from Moldova as one possible step toward greater European involvement in the process.
"The issue of European security is that Russia is constantly attacking its neighbors. And for that we need concessions also from the Russian side. I was last week in Moldova [where] there are Russian troops, for example. That could be one of the conditions to have security and stability in the region, that they take their troops away," she explained.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, European Council President António Costa stated that the EU is ready to participate in any negotiations that would result in peace for Ukraine.
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