Pavel among five European leaders considered for Ukraine talks with Putin

Czech President Petr Pavel is among five European leaders being considered for a role negotiating with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine, according to reporting by The Telegraph.

The British newspaper cited diplomatic sources saying some potential candidates had already been approached. It did not establish that Pavel had received an offer, and no appointment has been announced.

The European Commission declined Friday to comment on the reported candidates, while saying it expected the EU to be represented in further high-level discussions about Ukraine’s future.

Alongside Pavel, The Telegraph named Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

One diplomatic source suggested a group of leaders was more likely to be chosen than a single representative, helping avoid competition between countries or objections to individual candidates.

The report comes amid European efforts to secure a stronger role in diplomacy over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, after U.S.-led mediation failed to produce a breakthrough.

According to the newspaper’s sources, Pavel’s background makes him a potential candidate. As a former chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, he has experience dealing with Russian officials at the military level.

Asked about the reporting, Commission spokeswoman Ariana Podestà said the EU expected to participate at a senior level in further talks following recent discussions in Oslo. Neither she nor fellow spokesman Christian Wigand would discuss the possible selection of a single negotiator.

The commission’s comments therefore stopped short of confirming either the reported shortlist or a new negotiating role.

In an interview with the Axel Springer Global Reporters Network, which includes The Telegraph, Pavel argued that Europe needed to designate a person or group authorized to speak on its behalf.

That mandate would not necessarily have to go to an EU or NATO officeholder, he said. It could be given to leaders selected by other European countries.

Pavel argued that Putin had refused meaningful engagement with senior European figures, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

He called for serious discussions aimed at reducing tensions, warning of the risk of a wider confrontation between Russia and the West.

The Czech president also suggested that the prospect of renewed trade and cooperation could provide an incentive for Moscow. However, he linked any easing of sanctions to Russia agreeing to a ceasefire and peace negotiations.

His remarks follow comments in Berlin this week in which he warned that ending assistance to Ukraine would encourage Russia rather than reduce tensions.

For now, Pavel’s possible role remains the subject of diplomatic reporting. The proposal for a European representative, the composition of any delegation and its negotiating mandate have not been publicly settled.