Finnish President Stubb ready to become EU’s representative in peace talks with Russia

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said on Sunday 24 May that he would be willing to represent Europeans in potential peace negotiations with Russia.

Stubb said on Yle Radio Suomi that if he were asked about his readiness to become a negotiator, it was probably not a question he could answer negatively.

Meanwhile, the Finnish president stressed that he would only be prepared to take part in such negotiations after Russia agrees to a ceasefire.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in May that Europe should have its own representative in peace talks with Russia. Stubb said he would be ready to take on such a role if asked.

Earlier reports said the European Union was considering former German chancellor Angela Merkel, former Italian prime minister Mario Draghi and Stubb as potential EU negotiators.

On 20 May, Zelenskyy spoke about "good contacts" with the United States that gave him hope for the resumption of peace talks with Russia, potentially involving Europeans.

EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss the merits of possible candidates for the role of negotiator with Russia during an informal meeting in Cyprus on 27–28 May.