Kristersson backs joint European envoy for Ukraine talks, warns countries could act alone

“I completely agree with him on this,” Kristersson tells TT after attending a meeting between Zelenskyy and Nordic leaders in Copenhagen.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Ukrainian leader said in a speech at the University of Copenhagen that Europe “cannot have 40 people talking to Putin”. The call comes as trilateral talks between Russia and Ukraine, with the US as mediator, are under way in Abu Dhabi.

The prime minister sees clear risks if they cannot agree on someone to speak for Europe.

“It is quite obvious that there is a certain risk that a lot of different countries will start representing themselves or Europe in direct contact with Russia,” Kristersson says, adding:

“The more Europe speaks with one voice, the better.”

He also describes the process of finding this representative as “easier said than done” and says there are a few things to sort out, including the fact that not all European countries are members of the EU.

Are you a candidate?

“No, I am not. Basically, it has to be either one of the really big European countries, which also has authority over both the US and Russia, or someone who can speak for all EU countries.”