Kallas: EU to discuss position on Russia at May 27–28 summit

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stated that the European Union is not ready to hold talks with Russia until member states develop a unified position. She made the remarks at a meeting of the EU Council in Brussels, as reported by RBC-Ukraine.

According to Kallas, it is for this purpose that a summit in the “Gymnich” format is planned for late May — an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers scheduled for May 27–28.

“Well, first of all, before discussing anything with Russia, we need to discuss among ourselves what we want to talk to them about,” she said.

The summit’s agenda includes proposals on key security issues. Kallas identified Russia’s ongoing attacks on its neighbors as the primary concern. She also recently visited Moldova, where Russian troops are still stationed, and described their withdrawal as one of the possible conditions for stability in the region.

“But there are, of course, many issues related to our demands on Russia for a stable and peaceful Europe,” Kallas added.

Kallas also separately commented on Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin’s proposal to appoint former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a negotiator between Russia and the EU. She rejected the idea, pointing to its fundamental unacceptability.

“Well, first of all, if we give Russia the right to appoint a negotiator on our behalf, you know, that would not be very wise,” she stated.

Kallas also recalled that Schröder had long served as a lobbyist for Russian state companies, and explained Moscow’s logic: “It is clear why Putin wants to see him as this person — so that he would effectively be sitting on both sides of the table.”

Kallas did not comment on the idea that Ukraine should withdraw its troops from Donbas as a condition for starting negotiations as acceptable. According to RBC-Ukraine, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha will visit Brussels to participate in the EU Council meeting and hold talks with NATO leadership.