The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, announced that discussions regarding potential negotiations with Russia will take place during an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Cyprus on May 27-28. This meeting aims to outline the demands the EU may present to Moscow.
Kallas emphasized the importance of internal dialogue among EU member states about the topics they wish to address with Russia. “We need to discuss among ourselves what we want to talk to them about,” she stated, highlighting the necessity of a coordinated approach.
She raised concerns about European security, noting that Russia has consistently threatened its neighbors. Kallas asserted that addressing these threats requires concessions from Russia. “For this, we also need some concessions from the Russian side,” she remarked.
During her recent visit to Moldova, Kallas pointed out the presence of Russian troops in the region, suggesting that their withdrawal could be a condition for ensuring stability and security. She indicated that there are numerous issues to consider regarding the EU’s requests to Russia to achieve a stable and peaceful Europe.
In a related development, Kallas dismissed the candidacy of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a potential negotiator with Russia on behalf of the EU. This position aligns with the official stance from Berlin, which views Putin’s proposal as an attempt to create divisions within Europe and among German politicians.
Previously, Kallas had initiated discussions among EU countries regarding a list of concessions that Europe should demand from Russia as part of a potential agreement to conclude the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's chief diplomat, has outlined plans for discussions on potential negotiations with Russia, emphasizing the need for a unified EU approach and concessions from Moscow. The upcoming meeting in Cyprus aims to clarify the EU's demands amid ongoing security concerns in Europe.