Nordic country wants to break the line: ”Want to talk to Russia”

As the war in Ukraine continues to shape Europe's economy, energy supply and security policy, an open split is now growing within the EU on perhaps the most fundamental question of all: should Europe engage with Russia at all?

President of Finland Alexander Stubb believes that the answer is yes. Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia Margus Tsahkna says, on the contrary, that it is not even the time to talk.

This raises an increasingly remarkable question: how can European leaders want to influence developments in Europe's neighborhood - without being willing to talk to the major power around which the conflict revolves?

Finland opens for talks

In an interview with the Italian Corriere della Sera, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said that ”it's time to start talking to Russia”. The statement marks a clear break with the hard line that has long dominated much of Europe.

Stubb is far from alone in this stance. President of the EU Council António Costa has also opened up for dialogue with Moscow - if the right opportunity arises.

Behind this reasoning is a realpolitik insight that is increasingly difficult to ignore: Europe and Russia will remain geographic neighbors, regardless of how the conflict develops.

Earlier this year, the President of Estonia also said Alar Karis to Europe ”sooner or later have to start talking to Russia”.

Estonia wants to increase pressure instead

But not everyone shares that view.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna rejects direct talks and argues that Europe should instead further increase pressure on Russia. According to him, Russia is in a weakened position both militarily and economically.

At the same time, Europe's populations are already heavily affected by the conflict.

Energy prices, inflation, military build-up, cyber threats, drone incidents and increased geopolitical uncertainty have become part of everyday life in many European countries. In addition, Finland and Estonia have themselves been affected by recurring war-related incidents, including drone crashes and airspace violations.

Despite this, there are leaders in Europe who believe that there should be no communication with Russia at all.

Europe risks being left without influence

Critics argue that this approach risks making Europe a passive player in a conflict that directly affects the continent's future.

If Europe is unwilling to talk to Russia - while the US, Turkey and other powers hold their own diplomatic talks - the EU could effectively lose influence over European security issues.

The paradox is particularly evident as several EU leaders are simultaneously demanding a seat at future peace negotiations. The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recently said that the EU should appoint its own negotiator for upcoming talks.

At the same time, Russia has signaled that the EU is not perceived as a neutral party in the conflict.

Diplomacy is not surrender

The issue now growing in Europe is therefore not just about Ukraine - but about the very notion of diplomacy.

Historically, even bitter adversaries have held talks during ongoing conflicts. Dialogue does not have to mean concessions, but can also be a way to reduce the risks of escalation and protect your own population.

For many Europeans, it therefore seems increasingly strange that parts of Europe's political elite oppose contact with Russia, while the conflict affects Europe's economy, security and future more than any other region outside the war zone itself.