Can EU find a Russia whisperer to mediate an end to war in Ukraine?

Can EU find a Russia whisperer to mediate an end to war in Ukraine?27 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleSarah RainsfordSouthern and Eastern Europe correspondentGetty ImagesFinnish President Alexander Stubb (right) said he "probably couldn't answer in the negative" if he were offered the task of mediating with RussiaUkraine is urging the EU to help negotiate an end to the war with Russia, a topic that will be discussed in detail at an informal meeting of European foreign ministers in Cyprus.The EU is actively considering re-engagement with Moscow over Ukraine as US efforts to mediate have ground to a halt and Russia steps up its deadly strikes.Now, Ukraine's foreign minister has told the BBC that Kyiv is keen to introduce some "new dynamics" into the negotiation process."We need to move to a new format of talks with the Russian side," Andrii Sybiha said in a recent call, suggesting "more active participation by the European side".Among the candidates rumoured for the role of envoy are both former German chancellor Angela Merkel and ex-Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi, but Sybiha wouldn't be drawn on any names.A spokesperson for Draghi told the BBC he "prefers not to comment at this stage".This weekend, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said he "probably couldn't answer in the negative" if he were offered the task, but only after Russia agreed to a ceasefire.There is no hint of that.Over the weekend, Kyiv was pummelled with missiles and drones in one of the most intense attacks of the war so far and Moscow has since threatened "systematic strikes" on the city, warning foreigners to leave and locals to beware.Even as it escalates its aggression, Russia is accusing the EU of encouraging Kyiv militarily and so undermining US peace efforts.So it's difficult to see it engaging with the Europeans in any meaningful way.Russia ramps up threats against Ukraine. What d...