Kallas will present a list of concessions the EU demands from Russia: both Russia and the US need to understand that European approval is required

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday that she would present a list of concessions the EU should demand from Russia as part of a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

Currently, negotiations to end the war are mainly led by Ukrainian, American, and Russian officials, with Europe occasionally being consulted. However, European officials say that no peace agreement can be reached without European involvement.

Kallas told reporters in Brussels that day, "Those sitting around the table, including the Russian and American sides, need to understand that European approval is required."

Kallas pointed out, "For this, we also have conditions. And these conditions should not be imposed on the Ukrainian people who are already under great pressure, but on the Russians."

Kallas mentioned that she will submit a list to EU member state governments in the coming days. When asked about what the list might include, she mentioned repatriating all Ukrainian children abducted during the war and limiting Russian armed forces, without further details.

European officials said that the EU holds some leverage, such as the approximately 210 billion euros in frozen Russian central bank assets in Europe, which could become part of any settlement.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, most European countries have maintained a policy of diplomatic isolation of Russia. But in recent months, some countries have expressed support for direct dialogue with Moscow, partly because they are cautious about the extensive consultations between US and Russian officials.

Last week, the foreign affairs advisor of French President Macron visited Moscow and held talks with Russian officials. Some European officials have suggested appointing an EU special envoy to lead negotiations with Russia. However, Kallas said that before considering this appointment, the EU must first clarify the message it sends to Moscow.

Kallas pointed out, "If we don't defend anything, then sitting at the negotiating table is meaningless. It is important that we discuss what concessions we need from Russia to achieve sustainable peace."

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1856824890429449/

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