A veteran Swiss diplomat is urging a reassessment of Western strategy toward Russia, advocating for direct dialogue with President Vladimir Putin and cautioning against prematurely severing communication channels. Heidi Tagliavini, a former special rapporteur for the EU on the Russia-Georgia conflict and OSCE Ukraine envoy, argues that excluding Putin from direct engagement risks misinterpreting his motivations and diminishing the potential for de-escalation.
Speaking to the Swiss weekly newspaper “Wochentaz” Tagliavini drew a parallel to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach, noting his perceived ability to understand and utilize Putin’s desire for recognition and equal footing. She observed that Trump’s symbolic gesture of inviting Putin to Alaska and providing him with a visible platform demonstrated a shrewd understanding of power dynamics. “Putin is back on the world stage” she stated.
While acknowledging the need for the European Union to continue acting as a strong advocate for Ukraine – echoing the sentiment of German opposition leader Friedrich Merz – Tagliavini emphasized the critical importance of European unity and a consistent stance in navigating interactions with both Putin and a potentially unpredictable Trump administration. She stressed that Europe’s role as a supporter of Ukraine has functionally transformed it into an adversary of Moscow.
Tagliavini’s call for dialogue arrives at a time of heightened geopolitical tension and growing uncertainty about the future trajectory of the conflict. She cautioned against the reflexive tendency to cut off communication, highlighting the potential for rapid and unforeseen shifts in global dynamics. Decisions to terminate dialogue, she argues, are often hasty and potentially detrimental.
Her perspective raises a critical question: Are current Western policies, largely predicated on isolating Russia and minimizing engagement with Putin, genuinely contributing to a lasting resolution, or are they inadvertently reinforcing a cycle of antagonism? With the future of Ukraine – and potentially broader European security – at stake, Tagliavini’s warning underscores the necessity for a sober assessment and a willingness to explore all available avenues, however uncomfortable, to prevent a further deterioration of the situation. The inherent risk of miscalculation, she suggests, demands a pragmatic and flexible approach, potentially requiring a more nuanced understanding of the Kremlin’s objectives and a revival of direct channels with Vladimir Putin.