Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has expressed skepticism regarding the potential for a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the near future.
Kallas stated that Russian negotiators are not sufficiently serious and lack the willingness to engage in meaningful political discussions. “I do not share this optimism, as the negotiators from the Russian side are not truly serious and do not wish to discuss anything political. We have seen significant pressure on Ukraine to concede and abandon positions it is not prepared to relinquish, but this will not lead to lasting peace. Therefore, I am not optimistic that we will see results in the coming weeks and months,” she remarked.
She emphasized that pressure regarding peace negotiations should be applied to both Ukraine and Russia. “Pressure has so far been exerted on Ukraine concerning peace talks, but it is clear that it should also be directed at Russia, as it is the aggressor in this war. If we want this war to end and not continue, we also need to see concessions from the Russian side,” Kallas added.
When asked who should be authorized to negotiate with Russia on behalf of the EU, Kallas indicated that the substance of the discussions is more important than the specific individual leading them. She noted that whoever negotiates with Russia must address what concessions Russia is willing to make. “If you ask for a lot, you will receive little; if you ask for little, you will receive nothing; and if you ask for nothing, you will pay a premium,” she stated.
Kallas also asserted that it is Russia that needs to be compelled to limit the size of its army, rather than Ukraine, as the occupying forces pose the primary issue.
Recent peace talks took place in Geneva involving Russia, the United States, and Ukraine. According to the parties involved, some progress was made concerning military aspects, particularly regarding ceasefire monitoring, although the political component of the discussions remains complex.
Another meeting is planned in Geneva in the near future. However, territorial issues, including the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, continue to pose significant challenges in the peace process. The Kremlin insists on the transfer of Donbas, including non-occupied territories, while Kyiv firmly rejects such demands.
Additionally, Moscow has recently expressed a desire for international recognition of Donbas as Russian territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to discuss territorial matters with Putin and has instructed negotiators to raise the issue of a personal meeting with the Russian leader.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign affairs chief, has expressed doubts about the likelihood of productive negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. She emphasized the need for reciprocal pressure on both parties and highlighted ongoing territorial disputes as significant obstacles to peace.