The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has warned against walking into a Russian 'trap' by focusing on personalities rather than substantive issues in potential talks to end the war in Ukraine. Her comments came as the bloc's foreign ministers gathered in Cyprus for informal discussions to outline their key demands for Russia in any peace negotiations.
Focus on Substance, Not Personalities
Speaking before the talks, Kallas cautioned against the tendency to speculate on who might lead negotiations with Russia. 'It's a trap that Russia wants us to walk into, that we discuss who talks to them, and they are already picking who is suitable, who is not. Let's not walk into that trap,' she said. Kallas emphasized that negotiations are a team effort requiring a clear strategy, adding that 'substance is much more important.'
EU's Role in Negotiations
Kallas insisted that the EU must be represented in any future talks, as key issues like lifting sanctions fall under European jurisdiction. 'If you think about what Russia is interested in, lifting the sanctions, for example, it's a European decision,' she noted.
Criticism of Russian Tactics
The former Estonian prime minister also condemned Russia's repeated warnings about potential strikes on Kyiv. 'This is what Russia does. Because it's not really gaining ground on the battlefield, what they are doing now is really increasing the terrorist attacks, because you can't really describe it in other ways, creating fear inside the society. It hasn't worked for four years, and I don't think that it's going to work now,' she stated.
Other EU Developments
Meanwhile, Hungary's new prime minister, Péter Magyar, is in Brussels for bilateral talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Talks on accessing frozen EU funds are scheduled for the following day, indicating ongoing negotiations over Orbán-era reforms. Bulgaria's Rumen Radev is also in Brussels discussing EU funds and how to utilize them before their August expiry date.
Additionally, an unusual May heatwave continues across large parts of western Europe, drawing attention to climate patterns. Further updates from EU ministers are expected throughout the day, culminating in a press conference summarizing the talks.
