The EU High Representative emphasised that the selection of the delegation remains exclusively an internal matter for the community
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has stated that Russia is attempting to exclude her from the European negotiators. The official underscored the importance of establishing a strong European position in dialogue regarding the end of the war in Ukraine. This was reported by Ukrinform citing Kaja Kallas, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
During the informal meeting of the European Council in Dublin, Kaja Kallas noted that the Kremlin aims to face weak opponents to whom it can more easily impose maximalist conditions. According to the EU representative, Moscow’s attempts to dictate terms regarding the composition of delegations are part of a pressure strategy that must be ignored.
She recalled that the format for EU representation on security and foreign policy issues was clearly defined back in 2024. Under current arrangements, the interests of the EU are to be represented by the President of the European Council and the relevant High Representative.
Aggressor’s pressure strategy
“We need to focus on the substance of our requirements. Any differences between us actually play into the hands of the other side,” Kallas noted. She emphasized that any concession to Moscow regarding the selection of European representatives would provide the enemy with leverage they should not possess.
To support her position, Kallas referenced the historical tactics of Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko. She explained that Russia acts through threats and ultimatums, followed by an expectation of Western concessions, allowing it to achieve more step by step.
Unity of European states
The official assured that she is prepared to carry out her duties in cooperation with the foreign ministers of EU member states. She emphasized that over the past two years, she has represented the common position of 27 nations, avoiding the expression of purely personal opinions.
In Kallas’s view, Europe must not only be present at negotiations regarding the end of the war waged by Russia against Ukraine but also actively influence the outcome. The EU High Representative called on European leaders to direct their energy toward essential security issues rather than the discussion of staffing manipulations imposed by the enemy.
Photo: Ukrinform
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