Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal has expressed strong support for European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas as a key figure in negotiations to end the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Michal emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin should not influence the selection of Europe’s negotiators, asserting that leaders accountable to EU member states should represent the bloc.
Speaking before a European leaders’ summit in Dublin, Michal rejected the notion of appointing a new EU peace envoy, arguing that current European leadership, including Kallas and European Council President António Costa, already possess the necessary authority to handle negotiations. This stance comes amid debates over whether Kallas, known for her criticism of Moscow and advocacy for stringent sanctions against Russia, is suitable for direct talks with Putin.
The discussion highlights a divide among European governments regarding the approach to peace negotiations. While some question Kallas’s ability to engage directly with Russia, Michal insists that Europe’s representation should not be determined by Russian preferences but by its own leaders.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also weighed in, calling for Europe to have a direct role in peace discussions. He stressed the importance of European involvement in decisions impacting regional security and urged European leaders to appoint representatives by the end of November to ensure Europe participates as an equal partner in negotiations with Ukraine and Russia.
The debate unfolds as diplomatic efforts to resolve the war intensify. European leaders remain divided on whether to conduct negotiations through existing EU institutions or to appoint a separate representative with direct diplomatic access to Moscow. Michal underlined that any peace agreement must aim for a fair and enduring settlement between Ukraine and Russia, rather than allowing Moscow to dictate terms affecting Europe’s broader security.