Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal has affirmed support for European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas as a key figure in negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking ahead of a European leaders’ summit in Dublin, Michal emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin should have no say in selecting Europe’s negotiators, countering suggestions to appoint a new EU peace envoy.
Michal argued that existing EU leaders, including Kallas and European Council President António Costa, already possess the necessary authority to represent the bloc’s interests. Despite some European governments expressing concerns over Kallas’s suitability due to her firm stance against Moscow and advocacy for stricter sanctions, Michal insisted on the importance of leaders accountable to EU member states, rather than those amenable to Russia.
Simultaneously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged for direct European involvement in peace talks, asserting that decisions impacting European security should not exclude the continent’s active participation. Zelensky called for European leaders to appoint representatives by the end of November, emphasizing the need for Europe to act as an equal partner in discussions involving Ukraine and Russia.
The debate over negotiation strategies occurs amid intensified diplomatic efforts to end the war. European leaders remain divided on whether to engage through existing EU bodies or appoint a separate envoy with direct access to Moscow. Michal highlighted the necessity of achieving a fair and lasting settlement between Ukraine and Russia, cautioning against allowing Moscow to shape Europe’s broader security framework.