EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcomes “all meaningful attempts” to end the war. On the way to Thursday’s EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, she is nevertheless clear about what the EU thinks about the leaked information about a new peace plan, with demands for, among other things, Ukrainian land concessions and reduced Ukrainian defense.
For a plan to work, both the Ukrainians and the Europeans need to be involved. That's absolutely clear, Kallas states.
We must understand that in this war there is an aggressor and a victim. And we have not heard anything about any sacrifices from the Russian side. Putin can end the war immediately if he just stops bombing civilians and killing people, says the foreign minister.
“Must be there”
Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) is so far taking reports of yet another peace plan with a pinch of salt.
In recent years there have been various rumors about different plans and so far I can only conclude that it is important to maintain focus on supporting Ukraine and countering and weakening Russia, says the Foreign Minister in Brussels.
Just like Kallas, she emphasizes that Ukraine needs to be included in the discussions.
If there is to be a ceasefire and serious discussion about peace, Ukraine must of course be at the table and Europe must also be involved.
Needs defense
She is skeptical that Ukraine would have to significantly reduce its defense.
– I am convinced that the day an agreement is reached on a ceasefire, Ukraine must still have a strong defense to deter Russia from new attacks. Because we know exactly what Russia is made of, says Maria Malmer Stenergard.
