Kallas calls on the EU to join the table—where, in the negotiations between Washington and Moscow, is Europe's seat?

Trump meets Russian envoy alone; Karas calls for EU to be at the negotiating table

Following the U.S. midterm elections, discussions on a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire have resurfaced—prompting renewed anxiety in Brussels.

On Friday, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that regardless of when or what form a potential agreement between Russia and Ukraine might take, the EU must be involved.

Kallas explained that post-war security assurances for Ukraine are inseparable from EU engagement, as is reconstruction support. Moreover, Ukraine remains a candidate for EU membership, meaning future accession negotiations will be necessary.

She emphasized that final authority over decisions regarding the lifting of sanctions against Russia and the disposition of frozen Russian assets rests with the EU.

In practice, the EU has already begun utilizing income generated from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, though the principal sum—estimated at around €21 billion—has not yet been accessed.

While Kallas outlined multiple arguments in favor of EU involvement, the core message is clear: the bloc seeks inclusion in high-level diplomacy. Yet these points, while valid, may not be sufficient to compel either Washington or Moscow to formally include the EU.

Just one day before Kallas’s remarks, representatives from both Ukraine and Russia appeared at the White House—but not for negotiations. They attended a commemoration event for a ceasefire, hosted by First Lady Melania Trump. The initiative, led by her late last month, resulted in a humanitarian truce in Oleshky.

Notably, President Trump met privately with Dmitryev, the Russian representative, but did not meet with Ukrainian officials—an omission that underscores perceived priorities.

According to prior Russian statements, a trilateral meeting involving the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine is expected next week in the United Arab Emirates. However, prospects for meaningful progress remain dim, as the format appears largely unchanged from previous attempts.

For Europe, the reality remains stark: until tangible progress emerges in the Russia-Ukraine talks, the EU's role will extend beyond mere observation—it may not even qualify for a seat at the table.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881175741318152/

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