The EU's chief diplomat Kallas: The greatest threat from Russia is its gains at the negotiating table rather than on the battlefield
Estonia's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, emphasizes that Russia's most significant threat lies in its potential diplomatic gains, urging a robust European security strategy against Russian aggression.
Kaja Kallas, the chief diplomat of Estonia, asserts that Russia is not a superpower and has suffered significant setbacks in its military endeavors, particularly in Ukraine. She argues that the European Union must create a comprehensive new security strategy to address various aspects of security, including military and economic dimensions, in response to the threats posed by Russia. Kallas stresses that it is crucial for the EU to understand how to approach negotiations with Russia, highlighting that the biggest danger arises when Russia secures more favorable terms at the negotiating table than it does on the battlefield.
In her statement, Kallas articulates that the framework for peace discussions needs to go beyond simply claiming a seat at the table. Instead, she emphasizes the necessity of being armed with knowledge of what demands and terms to insist upon during negotiations. She warns that Russia's ambitious demands require serious and substantial responses rather than minimalist concessions. This perspective is particularly important as it intersects with the ongoing military situation in Ukraine, where she argues that if Ukrainian military capabilities are limited, Russian military efforts must also be constricted.
Additionally, Kallas points out the severe responsibilities Russia bears for its actions in Ukraine, including reparations for the destruction it has caused and addressing the issue of Ukrainian children who have been deported as a result of the conflict. She firmly rejects any notion of amnesty for Russia's war crimes, reinforcing the message that accountability is essential amidst the ongoing turmoil in Ukraine and that the EU stands firm in its support for justice and recovery.