Politico learned about the EU's search for its negotiator for a direct dialogue with Putin

The European Union has begun discussing the candidacy of a representative who will be able to negotiate directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This was reported by the Politico newspaper on October 21, citing sources.

Czech President Petr Pavel said that European countries need to identify one person or group of representatives to whom other states delegate authority for dialogue with the Russian side.

"We cannot come with two or three people, each of whom will speak on behalf of the EU," said one of the European diplomats, noting that the candidate should be chosen based on the effectiveness of negotiations, not internal political interests.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Head of the European Council Antonio Costa and Head of the European Diplomacy Kaya Kallas are considered among possible representatives. At the same time, a number of diplomats consider Finnish President Alexander Stubb to be a more suitable candidate.

Negotiations on Ukraine were held in Oslo and St. Petersburg. What you need to know

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on October 21 that Russia would look at whether Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stere and Stubb could make a constructive contribution to a settlement in Ukraine. According to him, Norway and Finland have become new participants in this process. Peskov noted that the Kremlin will see how their representatives can contribute to the settlement.

Peskov said on the same day that Stubb's participation in contacts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine could be assessed positively. In addition, the press secretary also stated that it was impossible to resolve the Ukrainian conflict without the presence of representatives of Kiev.