“I can spot the traps.” Kaja Kallas puts herself forward as Europe’s negotiator with Russia

Kallas stated this on Friday at an informal summit of EU leaders in Dublin.

According to her, she will be able to recognize the traps laid by Russia. At the same time, the diplomat acknowledged that Moscow would prefer not to see her at the negotiating table. However, she emphasized, it is not up to Russia to decide who represents the European Union.

Kallas recalled that in June 2024, EU heads of state and government approved her as High Representative, understanding that over the next five years Europe would likely have to conduct direct negotiations with Russia. If the leaders wish to reconsider this decision, they have the right to do so, but Kallas herself believes the focus should now be on the substance of the matter.

She also spoke out against the EU copying the American negotiation model, for which the US appointed two special envoys—Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. In Kallas's view, Europe needs a negotiator with a clearly defined institutional status.

Under the Lisbon Treaty, the coordination of EU foreign policy falls within the remit of the High Representative. However, the President of the European Council, a position currently held by António Costa, is also authorized to represent the European Union on the international stage. In addition, the European Commission is responsible for issues vital to the diplomatic process, including sanctions, funding, and EU enlargement.

For now, Costa is considered the frontrunner for the role of European special envoy and, according to the report, is ahead of Kallas in this contest. The head of European diplomacy herself noted that she is bound by the common position of the member states and represents not her own interests, but all 27 EU nations. She has been operating this way for two years already.

Kallas also stated that Russia will oppose any strong figure at the negotiating table, as it is in its interest for its opponent to be as weak as possible. According to her, Moscow seeks to impose its maximalist demands, so it should not be given any sway over the choice of Europe's representative.

The question of appointing a single EU negotiator became especially pressing following requests from Ukraine and the United States. EU leaders discussed the matter at the Dublin summit. A senior European diplomat stressed that the common European position is far more important than the identity of the future envoy. In their view, disputes over candidates could deepen divisions among European countries, which is precisely what Russia wants.

Up to this point, contacts have been conducted only at a technical level. The exact mandate of the future special envoy and the format of their participation in negotiations have yet to be determined. A preliminary meeting in Abu Dhabi brought together senior officials from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, the European Commission, the European Council, and NATO.

Kallas also conceded that an EU representative would in any case be unable to speak on behalf of the United Kingdom and Norway—two key allies of Ukraine that are not members of the European Union.

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