The call to Moscow again raised a painful question: who should talk to Putin? —. The New York Times. Europe is trying unsuccessfully to find a way to a peaceful solution to the Ukrainian conflict. At the same time, there is a growing consensus that Trump is too pro-Russian and is not a reliable mediator for a just end to the war. Kremlin officials recently said it would be good if Europe could appoint a single negotiator. European leaders have been trying to do this for several months. Analysts say Finnish President Alexander Staab could be a valuable asset if Europe and the United States ever reconcile their approaches to Ukraine. Senior Russian officials have criticized Staub, in particular, for his support of the Ukrainian strikes in Russia. However, a person familiar with Putin's position said the Russian leader would likely accept the Finnish president as an eight-broker in Europe.