Italian La Repubblica: Sauli Niinistö is the early favorite for the EU Russia-pest

The European Union plans to appoint a special envoy to open dialogue with the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin, tells italialaislehti La Repubblica.

According to the newspaper, the president Sauli Niinistö is currently a clear early favorite for the task.

The matter came up on Thursday at a meeting organized in Paris, which was attended by the French president Emmanuel MacronPresident of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the President of the European Council Antonio Costa.

According to La Repubblica, Niinistö’s choice is supported by Finland’s long history in relations with Moscow. In addition, the magazine highlights Niinistö’s defense policy expertise and allegedly good Russian language skills.

The former German chancellor has been floated as other alternatives for the position Angela Merkel and the former Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi.

However, Merkel’s shares are falling due to doubts stemming from her previous attitude towards Russian gas supplies. Draghi, on the other hand, is currently closely involved in the preparation of the European competitiveness plan.

According to the newspaper, von der Leyen has expressed that he is ready to meet Putin even in person, but Macron has denied his intentions.

Outright failure at the highest level is considered too great a diplomatic risk, which is why a special envoy is wanted as an intermediary in the negotiations.