Kallas Addresses Peace Without Russian Concessions

(MENAFN) EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas cautioned that even if Ukraine were granted security guarantees, the lack of meaningful compromises from Moscow could pave the way for fresh conflicts in other regions.

Speaking in an interview with an Italian daily on Friday, Kallas argued that a lasting resolution to Russia’s war against Ukraine is unattainable unless the Kremlin alters its conduct and agrees to tangible restrictions on its military capabilities.

"The problem for peace is Russia. Even if Ukraine received security guarantees, but there were no concessions from Russia, we would have other wars, perhaps not in Ukraine but elsewhere," she said.

Kallas acknowledged that the European Union views the renewed diplomatic activity surrounding peace talks positively, including initiatives led by the US administration.

However, she emphasized that Moscow has yet to demonstrate any "genuine willingness" to bring the conflict to an end, pointing to the continued assaults on Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure.

She stressed that any serious path toward an agreement must begin with a ceasefire, adding that avoiding future wars depends on ensuring Russia can no longer initiate new military campaigns.

"For a sustainable peace, we must ensure that Russia doesn't attack again. We need concessions from Russia, whether it means limiting their army or curbing their military budget," she said.

Reaffirming the EU’s steadfast stance, Kallas underlined that there should be "no territorial concessions and no recognition of the occupation of Ukrainian land," insisting that national borders must not be altered through the use of force.

"And there should be no points in the European security architecture that give Russia a direct role," she added.

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