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Network participant

Carsten Sondergaard

Former Ambassador to Russia

ELN Denmark

Carsten Sondergaard is a Danish career diplomat, retiring from service in August 2022. Most recently, Sondergaard held the position of Ambassador to the Russian Federation (2018-2022). Prior to this, Ambassador to Ireland (2014-2018), Permanent Representative to NATO (2010-2014), and Ambassador to Germany (2005-2010).

Alongside Ambassadorial positions, Carsten has held numerous roles in the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including, from 2001-2005, serving as State Secretary for Foreign, Security, and EU Policy. He has worked in diplomatic posts in Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Sondergaard holds a Masters Degree in Political Science from the University of Aarhus, and is Commander (1st Class) of the Order of Dannebrog. He is married and has three sons.

Content by Carsten Sondergaard

Commentary

Network reflections: U.S.-Russia Summit

Trump and Putin are due to meet on Friday to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. In light of the EU leaders’ statement of 12 August that any deal must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and involve Kyiv, we asked ELN network members what can and what should European governments do to ensure that Washington and Russia act upon those principles? How can the EU influence the outcome of the bilateral talks, sustain transatlantic unity, and prepare for different possible outcomes?

14 August 2025 | Alexandra Dienes, Nicholas Dungan, Anatoliy Grytsenko, Imants Liegis, Yauheni Preiherman and Carsten Sondergaard
Commentary

Network reflections: On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine war, how can Europeans make their voices heard?

Russian and US officials met in Saudi Arabia last week to discuss the future of Ukraine and European security, without Europeans present. On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we asked members of our network: how should Europeans react and how can they make their voices heard on Ukraine?

24 February 2025 | Maria Shagina, , Anatoliy Grytsenko, Nadezhda Neynsky, Carsten Sondergaard, Liana Fix and Jane Kinninmont
Russia-West relations
See all content by Carsten Sondergaard