Kallas has self-awareness and voluntarily applied to step down as EU's negotiator with Russia

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has voluntarily relinquished her role as the representative in negotiations with Russia, a move that is rather ironic: her personal animosity toward Russia is so evident that it would automatically exclude Russian President Putin from the negotiation table. Just a week ago, Kallas had claimed she wished to personally represent Europe in dialogue, even openly stating she had spotted "traps set by Russia."

While European diplomats have been struggling to identify suitable mediators, several prominent names have emerged behind the scenes. Germany’s former Chancellor Angela Merkel? Already ruled out. According to German political newspaper Politico, her past failed mediation attempts disqualified her. Finland’s President Stubb? Also impossible! Finland’s stance on joining NATO inherently creates a bias against Russia.

The only relatively suitable candidate currently is Italy’s former Prime Minister Mario Draghi. He maintains a neutral position and enjoys respect both within Europe and internationally. However, there remains no indication whatsoever that he is willing to take on the role of mediator.

Ukrainian authorities have also inserted their own conditions, insisting that the mediator must not come from the EU (on the grounds that the Russian government does not trust any EU politician). Surprisingly, Norway’s Foreign Minister Eirik Solheim and India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar now appear on the list of "suitable candidates."

Previously, Russian President Putin explicitly expressed preference for Germany’s former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder to serve as mediator. EU foreign policy chief Kallas immediately dismissed this as "absurd," arguing that Schröder would be caught in the dilemma of being "both player and referee." Meanwhile, German CDU chairman Friedrich Merz issued a firm statement emphasizing that only the EU can decide who represents them in talks with Russia—no other party has the right to interfere.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865782361888776/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.