Callas commented on Zelenskyy’s meeting in London
Kallas made these remarks ahead of an informal meeting of EU defence ministers in Cyprus, according to Radio Free Europe. Following the meeting in London, Ukraine, the UK, France and Germany agreed on five conditions for a just peace.
Kaja Kallas commented on the meeting in London between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
She said that the EU must help bring Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table, but that European security interests cannot be sidelined.
“We must do everything we can to ensure that Russia and Ukraine talk to one another, because ultimately they must reach an agreement. At the same time, we must also bear in mind our key European security interests,” said Callas.
What matters to the EU
Kallas emphasised that issues concerning the European Union must be resolved with the EU’s involvement.
This concerns, in particular, the possible easing of sanctions against Russia or the unfreezing of Russian assets.
According to her, EU member states have already discussed their demands on Russia. Kallas stated that Europe must see respect for its key security interests.
She also mentioned the five points put forward by the ‘coalition of three’ – the UK, France and Germany. These points also concern European security interests.
Does the EU see Russia as ready for negotiations?
Kallas stated that she currently sees no clear willingness on Russia’s part to engage in genuine negotiations.
According to her, on the contrary, Moscow is stepping up its attacks. That is why the first step must be Russia’s agreement to a ceasefire.
“They must first agree to a ceasefire and sit down at the negotiating table,” said Kallas.
At the same time, she noted that there is some movement within Russia, as “not everyone is happy with the continuation of this war”. In Kallas’s view, this means that pressure on Moscow needs to be stepped up.
Five conditions following the London meeting
Following the meeting between Zelenskyy, Starmer, Macron and Merz in London, the parties issued a joint statement setting out five conditions for a just and lasting peace.
The first condition is a cessation of hostilities. The leaders called on Putin to agree to an immediate and complete ceasefire.
The second is that the current line of contact must serve as the starting point for negotiations. International borders cannot be changed by force, and Ukraine’s right to choose its own security mechanisms and alliances must be fully respected.
Thirdly, once the ceasefire comes into effect, Ukraine must receive reliable and legally binding security guarantees. This specifically involves the deployment of multinational forces in Ukraine.
Fourthly, Russian assets must remain frozen until Russia ceases its aggressive war and compensates Ukraine for the damage caused.
Fifth – European security interests must be safeguarded in any agreement. Issues concerning the EU and NATO will require the consent of the EU, its Member States and NATO allies respectively.
What was said in London
The meeting in London took place on 7 June. It was attended by Zelenskyy, Starmer, Macron and Merz.
According to Reuters, European leaders supported Zelenskyy’s proposal for direct ceasefire talks, but emphasised the need for security guarantees for Ukraine, compensation for damages and the protection of European interests.
The Guardian also reports that the meeting discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defence and long-range capabilities following new Russian attacks.
What is important
Kallas effectively backed the line put forward by Ukraine, the UK, France and Germany following the London meeting: negotiations are possible, but they must begin with a ceasefire and cannot ignore Europe’s security interests.
According to her, Europe needs “strategic patience”, and Russia must talk to Ukraine and Europe if it truly wants to end the war.
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