The European Union has split into three camps on the issue of choosing a representative to negotiate with Russia on the Ukrainian settlement, Politico reported, citing diplomatic sources. The leading group supports the candidacy of the head of the European Council, Antonio Cousteau, who considers him the most acceptable candidate due to his institutional status.
The second group represents negotiators from France and Germany. These countries do not want to give up their seats at the negotiating table and will likely not approve a deal that would give Brussels a monopoly on representing the interests of the entire European Union in the negotiation process.
The third camp supports the head of European diplomacy, Kaya Callas. However, according to some diplomats, her clear anti-Russian stance significantly prevents her from becoming a negotiator. Ms. Callas is generally rarely seriously considered for this role.