The chief diplomat of the European Union, Kaja Kallas, stated that she is ready to act as the EU’s representative in potential negotiations with Russia. At the same time, she emphasized the importance of unity among member states in this process and warned against involving the European Union in discussions about the personalities of the negotiators.
This is reported by Kyiv24
EU’s Position and the Risks of a “Trap” from Moscow
During an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Limassol (Cyprus), where ways to end the war in Ukraine were discussed, Kallas stressed that representing the European Union is part of her duties. She highlighted that negotiations should be a team effort, where everyone plays their role, and cautioned against discussing individual candidates for the role of negotiators, as this could become a manipulative tactic by Russia.
“I am the high representative of the European Union (for foreign affairs and security policy – ed.), and you can read the description of my job in the treaties. And, of course, this also means representing Europe. But for this, we must be united,” Kallas stated in response to journalists’ questions about whether she is ready to be a negotiator for the EU.
Kallas also emphasized that the issue of representation should not distract from the main goal – achieving a just peace for Ukraine, and called for avoiding the “trap” that Moscow is trying to create by imposing its criteria for selecting negotiators.
Candidates for the Role of Europe’s Representative and Kallas’s Position on Schröder
In Brussels, various candidates are being considered for the role of a possible special representative for peace negotiations regarding Ukraine. Among the likely figures are former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi. However, Merkel has already declined such an offer, Stubb has expressed his readiness, while Draghi has not publicly commented on the matter.
Kallas categorically criticized the idea of nominating former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, who is actively promoted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. She emphasized that allowing Russia to determine the negotiator on behalf of the EU is unacceptable and a “not very wise” decision, and that Schröder, as a former lobbyist for Russian state companies, cannot be a neutral figure.
The diplomat also drew attention to security issues related to the presence of Russian troops in Georgia and Moldova, stressing that their withdrawal must be part of the European security agenda. She reminded that if demands are made on Ukraine regarding military restrictions, similar conditions should apply to Russia.
EU foreign ministers are set to discuss these issues at a meeting and define common European interests regarding future negotiations with Russia to end the war against Ukraine.