A debate on hybrid threats to Europe took place in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, during which the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, made a number of significant statements. According to her, Ukraine desires peace more than anyone else, yet Russia appears unwilling to lay down its arms and is only intensifying its attacks on Ukrainian territory.
Kallas addressed those calling for peace, stating that the Ukrainians have already agreed to ceasefires on numerous occasions, but Moscow shows no corresponding willingness. Moreover, according to the EU’s foreign policy chief, Russia is stepping up pressure not only on Ukraine but also on European countries. She noted that Moscow’s aggression is evident in incidents such as the shelling of civilian targets and provocations in international waters.
One of the key points of Kallas’s speech was her categorical rejection of the idea of concessions in the form of ceding territory to Russia. In her view, such a decision would not lead to peace, but would merely give the aggressor a pretext for further action. “If aggression yields results, we will see even more of it,” she emphasised.
This statement was echoed by analysts from the American Institute for the Study of War, who drew attention to the remarks made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy emphasises that the issue of the Donbas lies at the heart of the Kremlin’s strategy, and that concessions would only prompt Moscow to make new demands.
Meanwhile, the US continues to draw up a plan of action to resume negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that work on this plan will take time, but progress can be expected in the coming weeks. One of the US President’s envoys, Jared Kushner, confirmed that the issue of territory remains the most complex obstacle on the path to peace talks.
Whilst diplomatic efforts continue, the European Union and the US plan to step up their support for Ukraine in order to make Moscow pay a heavy price for its aggressive actions.