The European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas stated that the EU’s position remains unchanged: any peace plan must be supported by both Ukraine and Europe. The EU’s plan is to continue supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia.
“The European Union has always supported a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace. Today we discussed recent developments, and Minister Sybiha (Andrii Sybiha – Ukraine’s Foreign Minister) briefly updated us on Ukraine’s position. Our stance has not changed: for any peace plan to succeed, it must be supported by Ukraine and Europe,” she said on Thursday in Brussels at a press conference following the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
This statement came amid reports of a supposed 28-point “peace plan” allegedly agreed between the US and Russia, of which neither Ukraine nor the EU has been informed.
Kallas emphasized that if Russia genuinely wanted peace, it would have accepted a proposal for an unconditional ceasefire back in March.
“The harsh reality is that yesterday, as a result of Russian attacks, 26 Ukrainian civilians were killed. Russia has repeatedly pretended to support peace negotiations, but previous talks failed because Russia never committed to any real obligations. Pressure must be applied to the aggressor, not the victim. Rewarding aggression will only provoke more of it,” she said.
The High Representative also noted that “the EU has a very clear two-point plan.”
“First, weaken Russia. Second, support Ukraine,” Kallas stated.
She further explained that today, the head of the European Intelligence Center and the EU sanctions envoy presented data on the impact of sanctions.
“The data is very clear: Russian oil exports are at their lowest levels in recent months. Russia’s oil tax revenues are at their lowest since the beginning of the war. Sanctions are hitting Russia hard, and they will become even stronger,” the High Representative emphasized.
Additionally, foreign ministers discussed attacks on Poland’s railway network.
“Russia’s hybrid actions in Europe are becoming increasingly brazen. Russia is engaging in state terrorism. There are many ways to respond, including additional sanctions and countering online recruitment of saboteurs,” she said.
According to Kallas, ministers also raised the issue of financial support for Ukraine, including a reparations loan based on frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, although this issue was not formally discussed. Nevertheless, the High Representative believes this is “the clearest way to support Ukraine’s defense.”
“It is also a way to show Russia that time is not on their side. Supporting Ukraine is a profitable deal compared to the cost of Russia achieving victory,” the High Representative emphasized.
