Europe's 7 envoys to Ukraine talks called a gift to Russia

The European Union will send seven representatives to upcoming Ukraine peace talks, a decision a political expert calls a gift to Russia because it creates division opportunities. The delegation includes five member states plus Commission and Council officials. The five countries are France, Germany, the UK, Poland, and Italy, chosen for their military strength, donor status, and UN Security Council membership. Professor Steven Van Hecke warns the large group contrasts with single negotiators from other parties, making Europe vulnerable to Russian tactics. Van Hecke criticizes the exclusion of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, calling it self-sabotage that weakens EU foreign policy. He notes the delegation still needs approval from non-EU members Norway and the UK to speak for all of Europe.