Kallas: European Union cannot be a mediator in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, stated during a press conference on the sidelines of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Limassol, Cyprus, that the European Union cannot act as a "neutral mediator" in possible peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow, as it openly supports Ukrainians and defends its own security interests.
Kaja Kallas. Photo: Beata Zawrzel / NurPhoto via Getty Images
According to the diplomat, the European bloc should help the Ukrainian side in these negotiations, but, she says, cannot be a mediator.
"Because we defend the interests of Europe and the interests of Ukraine. Because Ukraine is also in Europe... We cannot be mediators, we cannot be neutral, treating them equally. We are clearly on Ukraine's side," she explained.
Kallas believes that negotiations on ending Russia's war against Ukraine should take place directly between Kyiv and Moscow.
"It is very important that we call on Ukraine and Russia to dialogue, because there are many issues that only they themselves can resolve, and no one else. Perhaps there are countries engaged in 'shuttle diplomacy,' but ultimately, it is they who must sit down at the negotiating table to discuss these issues that only they can resolve," the diplomat said.
It was previously expected that on the sidelines of the informal meeting, EU foreign ministers might discuss a candidate for a possible representative from the bloc in potential negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. However, Kallas clarified that the summit participants talked more not about a specific candidate, but about the content of possible negotiations and the conditions for a potential end to the war, the prerequisite for which should be a ceasefire.
"There can be no legal recognition of the occupied territories of Ukraine, and accountability for what has been done must also be ensured. Russia must cooperate with international investigations and compensate for the damage it has caused. Any peace agreement must fully recognize Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and its right to choose its allies independently," Kaja Kallas added.
On May 26, the European Commission stated that it would choose an EU candidate for the role of representative to participate in peace negotiations to end Russia's war against Ukraine only when Russian authorities are ready for them.
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