EU top diplomat warns against premature Ukraine-Russia negotiations

As EU leaders convene in Brussels to discuss additional support for Ukraine, Kallas stressed the importance of demonstrating strength in the face of Russian aggression instead of pursuing the idea of peace talks at any cost.

“Any attempt to push for negotiations too early would actually lead to a bad deal for Ukraine,” she said.

Kallas mentioned that EU leaders will discuss increasing aid to Ukraine at the meeting.

“The whole world is closely observing how we act in this situation. We must demonstrate strength. Syria has shown us that Russia is not invincible, and we should not underestimate our own power.”

Earlier, Kallas urged EU countries to provide greater military support to Ukraine to enhance its position both on the battlefield and in negotiations.

On Nov. 20, Reuters reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin was ready to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine with Donald Trump but rejected significant territorial concessions and insisted that Kyiv abandon its NATO membership aspirations.

However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed that Putin dismisses the idea of freezing the war in Ukraine.

On Dec. 17, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, stated that Moscow is not satisfied with any scenarios involving a frozen conflict in Ukraine.

Andriy Yermak, Head of the Ukrainian President's Office, said that talks to achieve a sustainable peace with Russia can only become possible once Moscow loses the resources to continue the war.