Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, has stated that the EU cannot act as a “neutral mediator” in potential peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, citing the bloc’s clear support for Ukraine and its own security interests.
Her comments followed an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Limassol, Cyprus, on May 28. Kallas emphasized that while the EU should assist Ukraine in these discussions, it cannot position itself as an impartial party.
“We cannot be mediators in reality, because we are protecting the interests of Europe and the interests of Ukraine. Ukraine is also in Europe… We cannot be mediators; we cannot be neutral when dealing with them equally. We are clearly on the side of Ukraine,” she explained.
Kallas asserted that negotiations aimed at ending the conflict should occur directly between Kyiv and Moscow.
“It is crucial that we call on Ukraine and Russia to engage in dialogue, as there are numerous issues that only they can resolve themselves, and no one else. There may be countries involved in ‘shuttle diplomacy,’ but ultimately, they must sit down at the negotiating table to discuss matters that only they can address,” she noted.
Prior to the meeting, there had been speculation that EU foreign ministers might discuss a candidate to represent the bloc in potential negotiations with Russia. However, Kallas clarified that the summit focused more on the substance of possible talks and conditions for a ceasefire rather than specific candidates.
“There can be no legal recognition of the occupied territories of Ukraine, and accountability for actions taken must be ensured. Russia must cooperate with international investigations and compensate for the damages it has caused. Any peace agreement must fully recognize Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and its right to choose its allies,” she added.
On May 26, the European Commission indicated that it would select a candidate to represent the EU in peace talks only when the Russian government is prepared for such discussions.
Previous reports suggested that the EU was considering several prominent figures, including former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, as potential negotiators in the peace process.
On May 11, Kallas expressed her opposition to the idea of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder acting as the EU’s mediator in the negotiations, a proposal put forth by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Gerhard Schröder has been a high-ranking lobbyist for Russian state companies. It is clear why Putin wants him to be that person, so that he could, you know, sit on both sides of the negotiating table,” she was quoted as saying by DW.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha also stated that Kyiv does not support Schröder’s candidacy, noting that there are many suitable leaders in Europe for the mediation role.
On May 19, Merkel called on EU leaders to engage in direct negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, while declining to offer her own mediation in the diplomatic process with Moscow.
On May 24, President Stubb expressed his willingness to represent the European bloc in negotiations with Russia regarding the conclusion of the conflict in Ukraine, if necessary.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, has ruled out the possibility of the EU acting as a neutral mediator in peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, emphasizing the bloc's support for Ukraine. She stated that negotiations should occur directly between Kyiv and Moscow, with the EU assisting Ukraine in the process.