LOC20:29
17:29 GMT
BRUSSELS, Dec 1 (KUNA) -- EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas expressed concern that the upcoming talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff could increase pressure on Ukraine to make concessions in efforts to end the war.
Kallas said at a press conference on Monday following the EU Foreign Affairs Council in its defence ministers' formation that she is "afraid that, you know, all the pressure will be put on the weaker side, because that is the easier way to stop this war when Ukraine surrenders," referring to her earlier remarks. She added that the EU is closely watching Washington's new diplomatic push with concern.
Kallas stressed that Ukraine is engaged in intensive talks with Washington to develop a potential peace plan after an initial US proposal "heavily favoured Russia".
The EU's foreign policy chief reiterated that the current week could be "pivotal" for diplomatic efforts, while underscoring that Russia "shows no real sign of wanting peace," noting that "in this war there is one aggressor and one victim. Our job is to do all we can to support the victim and not reward the aggressor".
Separately, Kallas voiced regret over the stalemate surrounding the EU plan to provide a major multi-year loan to Ukraine funded by frozen Russian assets, pointing out that "opposition from Belgium continues to stall the deal."
She explained that "multi-year funding would be a game changer for Ukraine's defence. It will definitely strengthen Europe's position vis-أ -vis Moscow. That's very clear, and we need to move on with this".
It is worth noting that US President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday. (End)
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