Brussels – European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas cautions that discussing potential territorial concessions by Ukraine could lead to a Russian trap, reports 24brussels.
In an interview with Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Kallas emphasized that the Kremlin aims for Western nations to debate what Kyiv should surrender for peace, while ignoring that Moscow has made no concessions to date. This strategy, she argues, empowers Russia’s negotiating position.
Kallas highlighted Moscow’s classic three-step negotiation tactic: first demanding territories that do not belong to it, followed by ultimatums and threats of violence, and culminating in efforts to convince Western actors to concede what Russia never possessed. This method creates a façade of compromise, even when excessive demands underlie it.
“But that is not really a compromise if completely excessive demands were made beforehand. That’s why I say once again: We must not fall into Putin’s trap. Our goal must be that this war does not pay off for Putin. The reward for aggression would bring more war, not less,”
Kallas stressed her concerns about the implications of yielding to such demands. She asserted the imperative for Europe to maintain firmness in its stance against Russian aggression.
How does Kallas view Washington’s role against Moscow?
While acknowledging significant changes in U.S. foreign policy under previous administrations, Kallas affirmed that Washington remains the EU’s most critical ally in countering threats from Moscow. She expressed a commitment to enhance relations between the United States and Brussels, recognizing recent advancements in collaboration.
What are the Russian demands on Ukraine?
Russia has outlined specific demands for Ukraine, including withdrawing from all territories in the eastern Donbas region, officially recognizing Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea, and relinquishing claims on parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine. Additionally, Moscow insists that Ukraine renounce any aspirations to join NATO and adopt a neutral status that would prevent foreign military forces from being stationed on its territory.