Kallas on sustainable peace: We need to see concessions from Russian side
As the party responsible for unleashing the war, Russia must make concessions on the path toward signing a peace agreement.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, stated this during a press conference following a meeting of defense leaders in the E5 format (Poland, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy) in Krakow, Ukrinform's correspondent reports.
"The talks in Geneva once again showed that Russia is not moving away from its maximalist demands. By most measures, the war grown even more brutal for Ukraine over the past year. Russia is dragging out negotiations rather than moving towards peace," Kallas said.
She explained that Europe's response is greater support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Russia.
Recalling the EU's support for Ukraine in the form of a EUR 90 billion loan and its contribution to developing security guarantees, she stressed the need to focus attention on those responsible for starting the war, "so we also need to see concessions from the Russian side in order to have a sustainable peace."
"Next Monday we aim to adopt a 20th package against Russia. Sanctions are working. They are severely hurting Russia's economy and each new measure further limits its ability to wage war. Moscow is not invincible; its army is suffering record casualties and its economy is under heavy strain. But Putin will not end this war until the costs are higher than the benefits, and that is the point we must reach," Kallas believes.
She also noted that Europe's security is now more uncertain than at any time in recent decades, as Russia poses a serious threat, the Middle East remains unstable, China remains a long-term challenge, and the transatlantic link is being redefined, as the United States expects Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defense.
Kallas believes that Europe is taking steps in this direction, but "this is not about competing with NATO, it's about making Europe stronger within NATO - a stronger Europe makes the Alliance also stronger."
She also emphasized that the decision taken in the E5 format to develop affordable air defense systems to protect European skies is an example of such responsibility.
At the same time, Kallas considers it necessary to develop a clear vision - a European Security Strategy - which she is working on jointly with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
During discussions in Krakow, the parties also focused on the growing hybrid threats from Russia while its army is stuck in Ukraine.
"Moscow is trying to weaken Europe without crossing the threshold of open warfare - from cyberattacks to sabotage and drone incursions."
In response, Europe is imposing sanctions on those responsible, tightening controls on the movements of Russian diplomats, stepping up action against Russia's shadow fleet, deploying hybrid rapid response teams to partner countries at risk, and investing in drones and cyber defense.
As previously reported, the European Commission stated that no agreement to resolve Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine will work without EU support.
Photo: European Union