The EU foreign policy chief says securing a ceasefire must be the immediate priority before discussing security architecture.
European foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned on Friday that Europe must avoid Russian traps as it prepares for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Speaking ahead of an EU summit in Dublin, Kallas said securing a ceasefire must remain the primary focus.
According to the Times of India, Kallas cautioned against shifting discussions toward Moscow's demands regarding European security arrangements before the fighting stops. She stated that discussing Russia's security architecture requirements before a ceasefire could divert attention away from the need for a halt to hostilities.
The remarks follow indications from US special envoy Steve Witkoff that European representatives would be included in the next round of peace negotiations. This follows Witkoff's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Thursday.
President Vladimir Putin said Russia has not opposed dialogue with European nations, though he claimed European governments broke off direct engagement with Moscow. Putin also warned that any foreign troops deployed in Ukraine after a peace deal would be considered legitimate targets.
Recent US-mediated talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Abu Dhabi resulted in progress on a prisoner exchange but failed to resolve territorial issues. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the pledge to include EU delegates, noting it would ensure the bloc has a voice in negotiations.
