EU Chief Warns Ukraine May Be Forced To Concessions As Trump and Putin Meet
The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has expressed concerns that a meeting between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin may put pressure on Kyiv to make concessions. The two are set to meet in Moscow on Tuesday, amid efforts to find a peaceful solution to the ongoing war.
Kallas stated that the talks could lead to Ukraine making concessions and obligations, while Russia continues its aggressive actions against civilians and civilian infrastructure. She warned that allowing Russia to change borders by force would set a dangerous precedent for the world.
The US plan, which emerged last month, includes granting Moscow territories in eastern Ukraine it does not yet control, forcing Kyiv to cap the size of its army, and abandoning its ambition to join NATO. While the plan has since been changed, concerns remain about any deal that could enshrine forced border changes and fail to punish war crimes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected the idea of rewarding Russia for its invasion, saying "Russia must not be rewarded for this war." He also held calls with European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Macron emphasized that only Ukraine can decide on its territories in peace negotiations with Russia, while Europeans must ensure security guarantees. Merz stressed the need for "no dictated peace" in Ukraine, with Kyiv and European allies involved in any deal to end the war.
Kallas warned that the push to end the war could be entering a "pivotal week," as she described weekend talks between the US and Ukraine as "difficult but productive." However, she also expressed skepticism about the ability of the US to find a good solution for Ukraine alone, stating that Ukrainians are stronger when they stand together with Europeans.
The meeting between Witkoff and Putin is set to take place at Russia's expense, with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner expected to attend. The US plan has been revised since its initial release, but concerns remain about the potential consequences of any deal that could benefit Russia.
The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has expressed concerns that a meeting between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin may put pressure on Kyiv to make concessions. The two are set to meet in Moscow on Tuesday, amid efforts to find a peaceful solution to the ongoing war.
Kallas stated that the talks could lead to Ukraine making concessions and obligations, while Russia continues its aggressive actions against civilians and civilian infrastructure. She warned that allowing Russia to change borders by force would set a dangerous precedent for the world.
The US plan, which emerged last month, includes granting Moscow territories in eastern Ukraine it does not yet control, forcing Kyiv to cap the size of its army, and abandoning its ambition to join NATO. While the plan has since been changed, concerns remain about any deal that could enshrine forced border changes and fail to punish war crimes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected the idea of rewarding Russia for its invasion, saying "Russia must not be rewarded for this war." He also held calls with European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Macron emphasized that only Ukraine can decide on its territories in peace negotiations with Russia, while Europeans must ensure security guarantees. Merz stressed the need for "no dictated peace" in Ukraine, with Kyiv and European allies involved in any deal to end the war.
Kallas warned that the push to end the war could be entering a "pivotal week," as she described weekend talks between the US and Ukraine as "difficult but productive." However, she also expressed skepticism about the ability of the US to find a good solution for Ukraine alone, stating that Ukrainians are stronger when they stand together with Europeans.
The meeting between Witkoff and Putin is set to take place at Russia's expense, with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner expected to attend. The US plan has been revised since its initial release, but concerns remain about the potential consequences of any deal that could benefit Russia.