The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, categorically denied Russia's right to participate in shaping security guarantees for Ukraine. In a comment to the Estonian public broadcaster ERR, the European diplomat sharply reacted to Russian statements about the unacceptability of deploying European military forces on Ukrainian territory as part of future security guarantees.
Kallas denied Russian officials the right to regulate Ukraine's security issues. She believes that Russia has no influence on security guarantees and should not have the ability to determine the future course of events. The diplomat also emphasized that it is important to refrain from any negotiations with Russia, as it has not adhered to any agreements in the past.
When asked to comment on the Russian position, Kallas gave a concise answer: 'It is not their business.' The head of European diplomacy stressed the unacceptability of giving the aggressor additional influence: 'When I hear the position that European security guarantees for Ukraine must be discussed with Russia, we are giving Russia even more influence than it has now. It is absolutely not for them to decide, but this again shows that they are not taking seriously the goal of achieving peace.'
The European Union considers Russian interference unacceptable and urges to refrain from any negotiations that could strengthen Russia's influence. Kallas warned that Volodymyr Zelensky should be cautious in communicating with Vladimir Putin, as the Russian leader is not a reliable partner. The EU also emphasized the importance of using sanctions as a means of pressure on Russia to stop aggression in eastern Ukraine.
The diplomat paid special attention to a recent statement from a mouse under Lavrov about establishing peace with a 'legitimate' representative of Ukraine; in her view, this is just another trick of the Russian Federation. In responding, Kallas denied Putin's legitimacy: 'He is not a legitimate leader, and it would be wrong for him to negotiate a peace agreement on behalf of Russia.'
Kallas called for the Western countries to unite their efforts for effective pressure on Russia and to stop violations in Ukraine. The European Union supports the position of not allowing progress in the conflict to ensure a peaceful resolution of the situation and to prevent conflict escalation.