EU split into three camps over who represents bloc in Russia talks

EU leaders meeting in Dublin on Friday, November 13, will continue disputes over who should represent them in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, with at least three options under discussion. According to Politico, the bloc is split into camps: one supports European Council President Antonio Costa as the natural candidate, another backs France and Germany retaining their seats, and a smaller group favors EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas, whose tough stance on Russia some diplomats say could alienate the Kremlin. Costa enjoys the broadest support among EU capitals due to his institutional role and perceived neutrality, with Estonia's prime minister openly backing him. France and Germany resist giving Brussels a monopoly on representation, while Kallas's "hawkish" reputation is seen by some as ideal and by others as unacceptable.