Europe considers envoy for direct Putin talks

European leaders are considering appointing a single representative to speak with Vladimir Putin on ending the war in Ukraine, concerned talks involving Donald Trump and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff could leave Europe sidelined. Czech President Petr Pavel said Putin disregards the EU as an authority and does not want to talk to Ursula von der Leyen or Kaja Kallas, urging the EU to identify a person or group to speak for Europe. Finland’s President Alexander Stubb and European Council President António Costa are leading options; Costa has declined direct talks for now. Diplomats cite Stubb’s ties to Trump and Finland’s Russia experience and say Costa comes across as more of an honest broker, while von der Leyen and Kallas are viewed as too pro-Ukraine. Witkoff met Putin in St Petersburg and called him a "humanitarian" as Russia released American Stephen Hubbard after over four years detained. Overnight Russian missile strikes hit Kyiv, injuring six, with at least 13 explosions in under eight minutes around 3 a.m. Andrii Sybiha said appeasement, servility, and flattery will not stop this war—only strength will. Senator Thom Tillis wrote "WTF, Steve? Look up the definition of 'humanitarian'." Reports say Trump wants Zelenskyy and Putin to sign a deal at the December G20 in Florida. The Kremlin said European proposals lack substance.