Kallas says Trump's envoys pressure Ukraine toward capitulation for 18 months
Photo: Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs (Vitaliy Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
American negotiators are trying to force Ukraine to capitulate in the war with Russia. But Europe continues to support the Ukrainian people, states EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas during debates in the European Parliament.
"That is why, although American negotiators have been trying to push Ukraine into surrender for already almost 2 years, 1.5 years now. Why Ukraine hasn't surrendered on Putin's terms is because Europe has been supporting Ukraine, and we don't have a choice," Kallas emphasized.
She pointed out that Europe has no choice but to continue supporting Ukraine.
The EU High Representative also recalled her "maximalist plan," which concerns Europe's participation in peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
"Because if Russia is presenting their maximum demands and requests, we should put our maximum demands also on the table to sort of balance these negotiations," she added.
Kallas noted that Russia wants sanctions lifted, and since the decision on this issue falls under the EU's competence, the bloc must be represented at the negotiating table.
"We also have requests for Russia. We are not giving these things up for free because it is not only just peace that could be there, but it's also that this peace is long lasting and just," she said.
Crisis in Ukraine-US relations
Recently, the US suspended some sanctions against Russia and agreed to purchase Russian diesel. US President Donald Trump attempted to "reduce" fuel prices in this way.
The US is delaying the transfer of critically important missiles for Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. Although they have already been paid for under the PURL program, the Pentagon has not yet approved the delivery.
At the same time, the American leader accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of unwillingness to reach a peace agreement with Russia.
