The article by Igor Gretski highlights a growing sentiment within the EU to establish a special representative tasked with negotiating peace terms with Russia concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Such discussions have gained traction amidst the escalating tensions and the need for a resolution to the war that has caused widespread devastation and humanitarian crises.

Gretski raises concerns about the establishment of parallel negotiation channels, suggesting that this approach might signal weakness within the EU. By creating separate channels of communication with Russia, the EU risks undermining its unity and could inadvertently empower Moscow to exploit existing divisions among EU member states. This could lead to a more fragmented European response to Russia, potentially complicating the already delicate geopolitical landscape.

The article concludes by emphasizing the strategic implications of engaging directly with Russia, noting that while the intent behind appointing a special representative might be to facilitate peace talks, it may also have the unintended consequence of diminishing the collective strength of the EU in addressing Russian aggression. The potential for Moscow to leverage EU internal disputes in its favor is a critical consideration that must be addressed in any future negotiations with Russia.