The EU’s Foreign Policy Chief, Kaja Kallas, stated that the pressure on Russia to engage in peace talks will continue to increase. Speaking after an EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Cyprus, she announced that further sanctions are being prepared to ensure that Russia not only pretends to negotiate but genuinely comes to the negotiating table. Kallas criticized other nations that continue to conduct business with Russia while maintaining privileged access to European markets, emphasizing that Europe must utilize its leverage in these situations.
The Vice-President of the EU Commission emphasized that Europe will never act as a neutral mediator between Russia and Ukraine. She reaffirmed the bloc’s stance, stating that the EU stands with Ukraine and is defending its own core security interests.
During the meeting on Thursday, the ministers reaffirmed that an unconditional ceasefire is a prerequisite for any peace negotiations, according to Kallas. She voiced her opposition to one-sided military limitations, warning that if the Ukrainian military were restricted while Russia continued to rearm, it would pose an immediate threat to European security.
