EU top diplomat steps back from possible mediation role with Russia

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has said she will not pursue the role of a European negotiator with Moscow, with officials suggesting her strongly “anti-Russian” stance could undermine any potential engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Unfortunately, she has excluded herself from the list of candidates,” one senior EU diplomat said, POLITICO reports.

Discussions are ongoing in Brussels over possible candidates to take on the role of a European interlocutor with Russia.

Among those being considered is former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, although some European officials reportedly question her suitability due to earlier unsuccessful mediation efforts.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi have also been mentioned as potential candidates. Draghi is viewed as a neutral and respected figure within Europe, although there has been no official indication that he is willing to take on the position.

By Vafa Guliyeva