The European Union is currently not prepared to engage in discussions with Russia until it has established a unified position. This determination will be a key focus during the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers scheduled for May 27-28.
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas emphasized the necessity of this meeting, stating, “Before discussing anything with Russia, we must first agree among ourselves on what we want to talk about.”
Security issues will dominate the agenda, with Kallas highlighting the ongoing threat posed by Russia’s military actions against its neighbors as a primary concern.
Recently, Kallas visited Moldova, where Russian troops remain stationed. She indicated that their withdrawal could be a crucial step towards regional stability.
“There are, of course, many questions related to our demands from Russia for a stable and peaceful Europe,” she added.
In response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s suggestion to appoint former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a negotiator between Russia and the EU, Kallas expressed skepticism. She remarked, “If we allow Russia to appoint a negotiator on our behalf, it would not be a wise decision.”
Kallas also noted Schröder’s long-standing role as a lobbyist for Russian state companies, asserting, “It is clear why Putin wants to see him in that role—to effectively have him sitting on both sides of the table.”
Additionally, Kallas did not accept Moscow’s proposal that Ukraine withdraw its troops from Donbas as a prerequisite for negotiations.
The EU is set to convene its foreign ministers to establish a unified stance on Russia before any potential negotiations. Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has raised concerns over Russia's military actions and rejected the idea of appointing Gerhard Schröder as a negotiator.