This was stated after the foreign ministers of the 27 bloc countries discussed the conditions for possible negotiations with Moscow.
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Discussions about renewed ties with Moscow have intensified as US efforts to stop the war in Ukraine have reached a dead end, and US President Donald Trump’s attention has shifted to Iran.
Ukraine has urged Europe, which Washington had sidelined until now, to take a greater role and proposed appointing a representative for negotiations.
“Europe will never be a neutral mediator between Russia and Ukraine because we are on Ukraine’s side and defending our own fundamental security interests,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told journalists in Cyprus.
“We cannot be neutral and treat them equally,” she asserted.
Earlier, K. Kallas warned that focusing on who will speak on behalf of Europe is a Russian “trap” and urged the bloc to concentrate on setting clear red lines.
Speculation about possible envoys intensified when Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted that his longtime ally, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, might be suitable. This idea was strongly rejected in Europe.
After the meeting, K. Kallas said ministers reached a “broad agreement” to work through EU institutions.
“Reasonable demands”
However, she emphasized that the main focus should be on setting demands for Russian concessions in any negotiations and further increasing pressure on Moscow through sanctions.
The former Estonian Prime Minister, who holds a firm position, has been calling for the establishment of a series of red lines for several months to unite countries and prevent Moscow from exploiting any disagreements.
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Among them is the demand that Russia cease fire before any negotiations, the demand to limit the Russian military, and the refusal to recognize Kremlin control over occupied territories.
“Europe has reasonable demands to ensure the long-term durability of any peace, and ministers asked me to continue this work,” said K. Kallas.
European officials say V. Putin appears weakened as Russia’s economy declines, casualties rise, and Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign takes its toll.
However, there is widespread doubt whether he is seriously willing to negotiate in good faith, as in recent days the Kremlin launched a hypersonic missile “Oreshnik” at Kyiv and threatened foreign diplomats.
Since 2022, when the invasion of Ukraine began, Europe has been very cautious about the prospect of talking with V. Putin, ignoring the Kremlin leader.
“Now is not the time to discuss who will lead the negotiations,” said Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys.
“We need to discuss what we are doing to apply additional pressure on Russia and provide more aid to Ukraine,” he asserted.
EU countries are currently considering a new sanctions package against Russia – this would be the 21st round since the start of the large-scale invasion.
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