EU's Kallas: Critical week for Ukraine after US peace talks

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated on Monday that the coming days represent a potentially decisive period for Ukraine war diplomacy, following what she described as "difficult but productive" discussions in the United States regarding a potential peace agreement. Speaking in Brussels ahead of a meeting of EU defense ministers, Kallas outlined the agenda would center on ramping up military assistance to Ukraine and enhancing the defense industrial capacity of the bloc itself. She delivered a stark assessment of Russia's stance, indicating no signs from Moscow of a genuine desire to end the conflict.

Focus on Military Support and Readiness

"The conclusion is clear: Russia does not want peace. Therefore, our imperative is to make Ukraine as strong as possible," Kallas asserted. She framed the immediate future as a "pivotal week for diplomacy," noting that Ukrainian officials would brief their EU counterparts directly. Reports from the U.S. talks, held in Florida, suggest negotiations focused on defining prospective borders, a central and highly sensitive issue in any future settlement to the war that began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Addressing EU Internal Divisions

The Brussels meeting also aimed to resolve internal European disagreements, particularly concerning a proposal to use windfall profits from frozen Russian state assets to fund military aid for Ukraine. While acknowledging that some member states, including Belgium, harbor "legitimate concerns," Kallas indicated a majority within the 27-nation bloc is prepared to assume the associated risks. She further argued for equitable international pressure, stating, "If pressure is applied to Ukraine's army—which has not invaded anyone—then commensurate pressure must also be applied to the Russian army."

The Strategic Outlook and Türkiye's Role

Kallas emphasized that while Western diplomatic and material support is vital, the ultimate responsibility for defense rests with Ukraine. This critical juncture underscores the complex interplay between battlefield dynamics and negotiation tables. The situation highlights the continued importance of balanced international mediation efforts, such as those previously undertaken by nations like Türkiye, which has uniquely maintained channels with both Kyiv and Moscow in pursuit of de-escalation and humanitarian solutions.