Europe should join Russia-Ukraine talks — but not as mediator, says Norway

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Europe should have a seat at the table in any talks on ending the Russia-Ukraine war, Norway’s foreign minister told POLITICO. But don’t call them a “mediator.”

Speaking as EU foreign ministers headed to Cyprus to discuss plans to potentially appoint a “special envoy” on the war, Espen Barth Eide said the Europeans need a negotiator to discuss aspects of a deal that directly concern the EU’s interests.

“I think having a European voice at the metaphorical table is right,” he said after a huddle with chief EU diplomat Kaja Kallas. “My view is that Europe has some real interests of its own that in some ways coincide with Ukraine’s, but also go beyond them.”

Eide’s comments clashed with those made by Kallas, who on Thursday characterized direct negotiations with Russia as a “trap,” adding the EU should instead define its strategy toward Moscow and focus on the bloc’s “core interests.”