Efforts to achieve peace and end the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine may enter a decisive phase following the U.S. and Ukraine talks held over the weekend, suggested on Monday the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, according to LETA citing DPA.
"This could be a decisive week for diplomacy," Kallas told reporters in Brussels upon her arrival for a meeting of EU defense ministers.
"Yesterday we heard that the talks in the U.S. were difficult but productive," noted the President of the European Commission, adding that she has scheduled talks with the foreign and defense ministers of Ukraine on Monday.
Kallas reiterated the EU's position on the need to increase pressure on Russia by imposing new sanctions against Moscow and reaching an agreement that Russia's frozen assets will be used as credit for Ukraine.
She also called for additional military, financial, and humanitarian assistance so that Ukraine "can withstand and defeat Russia."
One of the contentious issues being discussed between Washington and Kyiv is the possible limitation of Ukraine's armed forces in the future.
Kallas rejected such an idea, emphasizing that "it is the Russian army that actually poses a threat to everyone."
"If the Russian army remains numerous, if its military budget is as large as it is now, they will want to use it again," she warned.
Kallas avoided directly answering whether she trusts the U.S. administration to find a good solution for Ukraine.
"Ukrainians are alone right now. If they were together with Europeans, they would be much stronger. But I believe that Ukrainians will stand up for themselves," she stated.
It was previously reported that a meeting of U.S. and Ukrainian delegations took place in Florida on Sunday, and a meeting is scheduled for Tuesday in Moscow between U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The parties are discussing a possible peace plan.
The initial version of the proposed 28-point plan from the U.S. was very favorable to Russia. It required Ukraine to cede occupied territories to Russia, as well as those it had not even captured. Kyiv was also asked to commit to never joining NATO and to reduce its army.
At the negotiations involving representatives from the U.S., Ukraine, and Europe that took place a week ago in Geneva, the plan was modified to take into account Ukraine's position. However, as noted by Bloomberg, progress is still hindered by the same obstacles as before.
