EU’s Kaja Kallas Signals Potential Diplomatic Turning Point for Ukraine Amid US Talks

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Monday described the coming days as potentially “pivotal” for diplomatic efforts regarding Ukraine, following what she called “difficult but productive” discussions in the United States on a possible peace agreement.

Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU defense ministers in Brussels, Kallas said the focus would be on strengthening support for Ukraine and enhancing the bloc’s own defense capabilities. She stressed the urgency of bolstering Ukraine’s defenses, noting that Moscow shows no willingness to pursue peace. “It is clear that Russia does not want peace, and therefore we need to make Ukraine as strong as possible for them to be ready to stand up for themselves in this very, very difficult time,” she said.

Kallas described the week ahead as potentially decisive, citing ongoing US-Ukraine discussions. Sunday’s talks in Florida focused on defining the potential de facto border with Russia, according to Ukrainian officials. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the talks “productive” and “successful” as negotiations on a peace plan continue.

While acknowledging Brussels’ concerns about using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, Kallas stressed that the rest of the EU is prepared to share risks. She also emphasized that pressure should not fall disproportionately on Ukraine: “If there is going to be pressure on Ukraine’s army, which hasn’t invaded anybody, then there should also be pressure on the Russian army,” she said.