EU's Foreign Policy Chief Warns of Pressure on Ukraine to Make Concessions as Talks with Russia Loom
The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has expressed concerns that talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff may put significant pressure on Ukraine to make concessions. The two men are expected to meet in Moscow on Tuesday, and Kallas fears that the talks could lead to Ukraine being forced to accept unfavorable terms.
Kallas warned that the EU must be involved in any negotiations with Russia, saying "We shouldn't lose focus that it's actually Russia who has started this war and Russia that is continuing this war and Russia that is really targeting civilians, civilian infrastructure every single day to cause as much damage as possible." She also expressed concerns that allowing Russia to change borders by force would set a dangerous precedent for the world.
The EU's warning comes amid growing concern about a US plan to end the war in Ukraine, which includes granting Moscow territories it did not previously control. While the plan has since been changed, many European leaders remain wary of any proposal that could enshrine forced border changes and fail to punish Russian war crimes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also warned against Russia being rewarded for its invasion, saying "We also need to ensure that Russia itself does not perceive anything it could consider as a reward for this war." He held calls with French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, among others.
Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff is expected to arrive in Moscow with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. The two have been involved in talks with Ukrainian officials over the past weekend and will meet with Putin on Tuesday. The US secretary of state Marco Rubio has expressed optimism for an end to the war, but warned that there are still many challenges to overcome.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Ukraine is facing internal pressures as well. President Zelenskyy's head of cabinet Andriy Yermak resigned in response to a widening anti-corruption investigation, and the president is expected to make his first official visit to Ireland on Tuesday.
The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has expressed concerns that talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff may put significant pressure on Ukraine to make concessions. The two men are expected to meet in Moscow on Tuesday, and Kallas fears that the talks could lead to Ukraine being forced to accept unfavorable terms.
Kallas warned that the EU must be involved in any negotiations with Russia, saying "We shouldn't lose focus that it's actually Russia who has started this war and Russia that is continuing this war and Russia that is really targeting civilians, civilian infrastructure every single day to cause as much damage as possible." She also expressed concerns that allowing Russia to change borders by force would set a dangerous precedent for the world.
The EU's warning comes amid growing concern about a US plan to end the war in Ukraine, which includes granting Moscow territories it did not previously control. While the plan has since been changed, many European leaders remain wary of any proposal that could enshrine forced border changes and fail to punish Russian war crimes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also warned against Russia being rewarded for its invasion, saying "We also need to ensure that Russia itself does not perceive anything it could consider as a reward for this war." He held calls with French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, among others.
Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff is expected to arrive in Moscow with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. The two have been involved in talks with Ukrainian officials over the past weekend and will meet with Putin on Tuesday. The US secretary of state Marco Rubio has expressed optimism for an end to the war, but warned that there are still many challenges to overcome.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Ukraine is facing internal pressures as well. President Zelenskyy's head of cabinet Andriy Yermak resigned in response to a widening anti-corruption investigation, and the president is expected to make his first official visit to Ireland on Tuesday.
I'm kinda worried about these talks between Russia and Ukraine, you know? It feels like Russia's just gonna get away with doing whatever they want, and we're just gonna sit here and let 'em 
. I mean, Kallas is totally right - Russia started this war, they're the ones causing all the damage, so shouldn't they be the ones to give in on some stuff? 
It's like, if Putin wants Ukraine to make concessions, he should have done that before he started bombing them, you feel me? 
I'm not saying we can't negotiate or anything, but if Russia's gonna do the negotiating, they should be the ones in charge of it.
. I mean, we all know Russia started this war, and now they're trying to make it look like the other guy is the one being unreasonable 
. Maybe there's a way for all parties to come together and find a solution that works for everyone 
. The EU needs to stay involved in any talks, though – we can't just sit back and let Russia get away with everything 
.
. I hope President Zelenskyy can navigate all this and keep his people safe 
.
so they're just gonna sit down with Putin and Witkoff and expect Ukraine 2 b like "ok fine take our land we'll give u some stuff"?? 
no way jose!!! Kallas is right the EU needs 2 be in on these talks & make sure Russia doesn't get away w/ somethin they shouldn't! 
it's like openin a Pandora's box & we can't just sit back & watch as the world descends into chaos 
. And now Kallas is worried that these talks between Russia and Trump might make Ukraine think they have to give in on things? Like, no way, that would be super unfair to Ukraine! 
I don't think the EU should be left out of any talks with Russia. They have a point about setting a bad precedent, like allowing countries to change borders by force. We can't let that happen, right?
The US might think there's an end in sight, but trust me, it's not that easy...
The EU should be keeping a close eye on this and making sure Ukraine gets a fair deal. We can't have countries changing borders through force, that's just not right 
This war in Ukraine is just so sad 
. I don't think we should give up on Ukraine 
. We can't just let Russia change borders by force 
. The US plan to end the war is still confusing 
. Ukraine needs our support now more than ever 
.
ukrainian president zelenskyy is trying to keep the focus on holding russia accountable but it feels like the whole world's just hoping for a quick peace treaty so they can all go back to their daily lives 
i don't get why we can't have a war that's actually fought over real issues instead of just being some convenient proxy war 