As the European Council summit convenes, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, has delivered a stark message on the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Kallas urged Western countries to cease pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy into peace negotiations, pointing out that Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown no willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue to end the conflict.
Kallas emphasised that pushing for talks under the current circumstances is counterproductive and risks undermining Ukraine’s position. Instead, she called for stronger support for Kyiv, urging the EU and its allies to ensure their promises of security guarantees are backed by tangible actions.
No Peace Without a Willing Partner
“There is no sense in urging Zelensky to consider peace talks when Putin refuses to engage,” Kallas stated. “We cannot talk about peacemakers when there is no peace. And why is there no peace? Because Russia does not want peace.”
Her remarks come as discussions about potential peace negotiations continue to surface in Western capitals, despite the Kremlin’s persistent aggression and refusal to compromise on any of its demands.
Kallas stressed that forcing Ukraine into negotiations while Russia maintains its military campaign would only embolden Moscow and weaken Kyiv’s position.
“Russia has not changed its objectives. We must be very honest with ourselves about this. What are we actually doing now to address the root cause of this conflict?”
The Cost of Delayed Support
A critical element of Kallas’s argument focused on the economic and strategic implications of supporting Ukraine. She contended that providing robust assistance to Kyiv now would be far less costly than dealing with a prolonged conflict or potential future escalations.
“Supporting Ukraine today is cheaper than enduring a war later,” Kallas remarked. She also highlighted the urgent need for clarity on the nature of security guarantees being offered to Ukraine.
“What are these guarantees in tangible terms? If they do not include troops or long-range weapons, what genuinely protects and defends a country under attack?” she asked, underlining the importance of actionable commitments rather than symbolic gestures.
EU Security Guarantees Under Scrutiny
Kallas’s comments raised critical questions about the EU’s role in providing security guarantees to Ukraine. Several EU member states have pledged to support Kyiv, but the specifics of these promises remain ambiguous.
“Every country that has signed agreements on security guarantees with Ukraine must answer this question: What exactly are these guarantees?” Kallas demanded. She called for EU leaders to be clear about what they are willing to offer, warning against promises that lack substance.
She also urged the EU to leverage its collective strength rather than overestimating Russia’s capabilities.
“We must recognise our own power and not overinflate Russia’s. Strengthening Ukraine now is essential. The stronger they are on the battlefield, the stronger they will be at the negotiation table—if it comes to that,” Kallas argued.
US Peace Plan and Divergent Perspectives
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump’s team is reportedly working on a plan to halt hostilities in Ukraine. Trump recently claimed his team had made “some progress” in discussions aimed at “ending the war,” engaging both the current US administration and Ukrainian officials.
However, this approach has been met with scepticism from some European leaders. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda voiced doubts about the feasibility of peace negotiations with Russia at this stage. “Entering talks when Russia remains in a strong position would be a mistake,” Nausėda said, highlighting the risks of negotiating from a position of weakness.
European Council Summit to Tackle Key Issues
The European Council summit, taking place today, is set to address these pressing issues. Leaders are expected to discuss the specifics of security guarantees for Ukraine, assess the bloc’s broader strategy towards Russia, and debate measures to strengthen Ukraine’s military and political resilience.
Kallas’s remarks underscore growing frustration within the EU over the lack of a unified approach to supporting Ukraine and confronting Russia’s aggression. The diplomat’s warnings come at a critical juncture, as the EU grapples with questions about its long-term security posture and the role it should play in ensuring stability in Eastern Europe.
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