In a bombshell statement that disrupts existing balances and shatters the anti-Russian front, the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, has openly admitted that Europe can no longer remain on the sidelines of developments, calling for the immediate start of autonomous negotiations with Russia. The atmosphere within the EU has become even more explosive following Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal for former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder to take on the role of mediator. The potential involvement of the former German leader—a man who knows the inner workings of the Kremlin better than most—has sounded the alarm in Europe's decision-making centers, with Kaja Kallas leading the operation to intercept his return to the diplomatic forefront.
The bombshell from Finland
Finnish President Alexander Stubb spoke about Europe conducting its own independent negotiations with Russia, disclosing that European leaders are already debating who the link-person should be. "Yes, it is time to start negotiations with Russia. I do not know when this will happen. We have discussed the matter with European leaders regarding who will restore contact, but we do not know yet," he stated in an interview with the newspaper Corriere della Sera. "If American policy toward Russia and Ukraine does not serve the interests of Europe, then we must proceed with direct interaction ourselves," he emphasized.
According to Stubb, the most important factor is the coordination of all actions among Europeans, particularly among the countries of the E5 group (Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Poland), as well as the Nordic and Baltic states located on the borders. "Whether it will be a special envoy or a group of leaders remains to be seen," he added. Some European leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have previously voiced support for the appointment of a special EU envoy for Ukraine, with Stubb's name being mentioned as a potential candidate.
Putin's proposal for talks with Schröder
For his part, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his belief on Saturday (May 9, 2026) that the war in Ukraine is heading toward an end, proposing the former Chancellor as a potential "mediator" in talks between Moscow and Brussels to reach a Ukraine agreement. Since leaving active politics in 2005, the now 82-year-old Schröder has remained a close associate of Putin, distancing himself from the stance taken by most Western leaders following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He previously held significant positions in Russian energy giants, including participation in the "Nord Stream" gas pipeline projects and a seat on the board of the Russian oil company "Rosneft," from which he resigned in 2022.
EU says "No" to Schröder's involvement
Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder is "unsuitable" to represent Europe in any peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated on Monday. "First, if we give Russia the right to define a negotiator on our behalf, that would not be very wise," Kallas said upon arriving at a meeting of Foreign Ministers in Brussels. "And secondly, I believe that Gerhard Schröder has been a high-level lobbyist for Russian state companies, so it is clear why Putin wants him as the key person: he would be sitting on both sides of the table," she added.
Until now, the US has acted as the main mediator in Russia-Ukraine talks, while Europe has remained on the margins—though some leaders are now demanding that Europe take a more proactive role. Asked under what conditions the EU could accept the start of direct talks with Putin, Kallas said that Moscow must make concessions, citing the withdrawal of Russian troops from Moldova as a possible step for greater European engagement. "The issue of European security is that Russia is constantly attacking its neighbors," the former Estonian Prime Minister added. "And that is why we need concessions from the Russian side as well. I was in Moldova last week where there are Russian troops, for example. This could be one of the conditions for having security and stability in the region: for them to withdraw their troops."
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