EU preparing 'Plan B' on sanctions against Russia if US withdraws from talks – Kallas
Photo: EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas (Getty Images)
The European Union is preparing a "Plan B" to maintain economic sanctions against Russia if the United States abandons peace negotiations on Ukraine and moves toward rapprochement with Moscow, states the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, according to The Guardian.
"We see signs that they (the US – ed.) are contemplating whether they should leave Ukraine and not try to get a deal with the Russians because it’s hard," Kallas said.
According to her, there is a "Plan B" to maintain economic pressure on Russia if Hungary blocks the extension of EU economic sanctions in July. Kallas emphasized that Brussels remains committed to preserving the unity of all EU member states.
"There is also a 'Plan B', but we have to work for 'Plan A,' because otherwise you concentrate on plan B and then that will happen," she added.
US threatens to withdraw from peace talks
Recently, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States may withdraw from the peace process if no prospects for a swift agreement between Ukraine and Russia emerge in the near future.
Later, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the US could indeed cease its participation in the negotiations if one of the sides obstructs peace.
At the same time, the US president also noted that the coming days would be crucial for the negotiations aimed at resolving the war in Ukraine. The US is putting "great pressure on Russia" to reach a peace agreement.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said that next week will be decisive in terms of achieving a deal to end the war in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, in Europe, concerns are growing, according to the Financial Times, that Trump may soon withdraw from peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, using the lack of significant progress as justification.
