Who will talk to Putin for the EU? Kallas warns of Russian ‘trap’
High Representative for Foreign Policy Kaja Kallas attended the informal Foreign Affairs Ministerial Council in Cyprus on Thursday warned of a Russian “trap” around indicating a European negotiator for future peace negotiations. “The content is much more important than who speaks,” she said.
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs will discuss, among other things, the European strategy towards Russia, which will also be discussed who will be at the negotiating table for the EU in the future? will sit down.
The Russian President Vladimir Putin had suggested former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder earlier this monthwhich has always maintained good ties with Moscow. That idea was immediately scoffed at by the EU.
Within the EU, names such as former Chancellor Angela Merkel, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, also known as the Trump whispereror Kallas himself.
For Kallas, who has been reluctant to talk with Russia in the past, it is especially important that the EU clearly defines what its interests are if talks between Russia and Ukraine come to an end to the war. For example, it is up to Russia and Ukraine to find an agreement, but the EU will have to decide, for example, on lifting sanctions against Russia.
She also warned about Russia’s “trap”.which wants the EU to discuss who will negotiate, “while already choosing who is suitable and who is not”. “Don’t let us fall into that trap. Negotiations are always a joint effort. You have good cops and bad cops, you have a strategy on how you go to the table. That’s why the content is much more important than who does the talking“, said the Estonian.
Asked about her own ambitions Kallas referred to her job description as High Representative, which is included in the treaties.
“Of course, that also involves representing Europe, but that’s it we must be united“, said Kallas. “That is a very important message, that we must work together as Europe. Because as individual Member States we are much weaker than all of us together.”
She also reiterated that it is necessary for the EU to have one “long and lasting peace” and that Russia must be held liable for the damage caused. In addition, Russia must adhere to international agreements and the concessions that Russia demands from Ukraine, such as a reduction in the army, must also apply to Moscow. In addition, Kallas believes it is important for European security that no Russian troops are stationed in Moldova and Georgia, and that the Russians do not interfere in elections. “That is a maximalist approachbut the Russian demands have also been maximalist so far,” Kallas said.
