Sauli Niinistö, the 77-year-old former President of Finland, is emerging as a potential candidate for the European Union's special envoy to Russia relations amid efforts to rebuild dialogue with President Vladimir Putin, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Italian newspaper La Repubblica recently reported that the EU aims to rekindle connections with Russia as part of attempts to seek an end to the conflict. This situation highlights the evolving dynamics in international diplomacy and the importance of seasoned leaders in such negotiations.

The discussions around Niinistö’s candidacy come at a time when the EU is looking to find ways to communicate effectively with Russia. The idea is to leverage the experience of former leaders such as Niinistö, who is recognized for his understanding of Russian affairs, to facilitate a smoother dialogue. Other potential candidates mentioned include Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany, and Mario Draghi, Italy's ex-Prime Minister, both of whom have also stepped back from active political roles and are above the age of 70, similar to Putin.

Niinistö himself has not rushed to comment on the reports but has not dismissed them outright either. This measured response may reflect diplomatic wisdom as he considers whether this proposal could gain broader support among EU member states. The potential move to appoint a special envoy signifies a recognition of the need for dialogue rather than further isolation, especially as conflicts continue to reshape international relations.