In the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) in Brussels, EU High Representative Kaja Kali delivered a strong speech -

She emphasized that the EU must avoid peace agreements that "reward aggression" and continue to pressure Russia, including through mechanisms such as the "reparations loan."

Kali believes that if this loan is achieved, it will send a strong signal to both Ukraine and Russia: Europe will not be exhausted, Europe will long-term support Ukraine, and the damage caused by aggression cannot go unpunished.

In terms of defense, she criticized some member states for wanting to "sit in the driver's seat but not drive."

Regarding recent criticisms from the US government towards Europe, she considered them "unrealistic provocations" and said "there is no need to overreact."

Kali's recent tough statements aim to anchor the EU's negotiation bottom line and future influence, given the context of the US leading the peace talks and the EU facing marginalization. It is a strategic response during a specific crisis, aiming to secure the EU's voice and set the agenda. It also aims to push the EU to accelerate military capability building and reduce its dependence on the US.

Kali's position faces a huge gap between "idealism" and "reality":

The risk of being marginalized increases: analysts point out that her firm stance may lead to Europe being completely excluded from negotiations on the future European security architecture. The US and Russia have expressed dissatisfaction with recent statements by EU leaders, issuing strong criticism. Her remarks are negating mutual trust, deepening conflicts and divisions.

Overall, Kali's firm statements are an impulsive reaction of the EU's anxiety about declining influence. In the short term, this is unlikely to change the situation where the US leads the negotiations, the EU is in internal disputes, and Russia ignores it. The only one rotating around Europe is Zelenskyy. The key points to watch in the future are whether the "reparations loan" plan can break the deadlock at the EU summit in December, and whether the EU can form a unified and effective strategy after the possible peace framework between the US and Russia is reached.

The US-driven Ukraine-Russia peace talks currently face the biggest obstacle as the EU, who not only resolutely resist and oppose themselves, but also encourage Zelenskyy to reject the US proposal, which is somewhat unexpected for Americans, possibly laying the groundwork for future US-EU relations problems.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1851066623560716/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.