The European Union will not recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea under any circumstances, EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas stated on April 30 in an interview with the Financial Times. Her comments came amid growing concerns that the Trump administration is pressuring Ukraine into accepting a peace agreement that involves territorial concessions and the normalization of ties with Moscow.
According to earlier reports by Axios, U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan includes formal recognition of Russia’s control over Crimea and an implicit acceptance of its occupation of other Ukrainian territories. The plan also calls for the lifting of sanctions that have been in place since 2014. “On the European side, we have said this over and over again… Crimea is Ukraine,” Kallas reiterated. “But we can’t speak for America, of course, and what they will do.”
Kallas revealed that the EU is preparing a “plan B” to maintain economic sanctions on Russia in case the Trump administration withdraws from peace efforts or resumes engagement with Moscow. She acknowledged that internal EU unity might be at risk, particularly from Hungary, which could block the extension of sanctions in July. While some EU governments are reportedly considering aligning with Washington if it retreats, Kallas warned that such a move would be misguided.
She added that while the EU could step in to help Ukraine financially if U.S. military aid were reduced, replacing American defense support would be significantly more difficult. Despite efforts to maintain cooperation with Washington, the EU remains concerned about the long-term consequences if Russia emerges victorious.
