Oslo cautions EU over plans for direct Russia negotiator

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has said Europe cannot position itself as a neutral mediator between Ukraine and Russia while continuing to support Kyiv militarily and politically.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Barth Eide argued that European countries must play a “different role” from US President Donald Trump, whose administration has sought to act as a mediator in efforts to end the war.

The Norwegian minister said Europe should instead focus on representing its collective interests and maintaining support for Ukraine rather than attempting to serve as an impartial facilitator in negotiations with Moscow.

“There are two different roles one could envisage. One is the voice of Europe in these talks, this is a good idea. The other one is an alternative mediator, I think this is less of a good idea,” Barth Eide said.

“Being a supporter of Ukraine is a good and heroic role. A mediator can also be a heroic role, but it’s a different role.”

“It’s like the lawyer and the judge. There is nothing wrong with the judge but they can’t also be a lawyer for one side,” he added.

The comments came amid discussions within the European Union about appointing a special negotiator to represent the bloc in potential direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to the report, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed support for European efforts to help revive negotiations with Moscow.

Recent ceasefire talks between Kyiv and Moscow had been mediated by Trump, although both sides have reportedly become less receptive to US-led efforts after Washington shifted greater attention toward developments in the Middle East.

The evolving diplomatic landscape has prompted the EU and several European allies to intensify their own consultations on possible pathways toward ending the conflict.

In recent weeks, informal discussions within the EU have reportedly included the possibility of appointing former German Chancellor Angela Merkel or former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi as a European negotiator in future talks with Russia.

By Vafa Guliyeva