Kallas: US Did Not Inform Europe About Peace Talks with Ukrainians
Tehran - BORNA - Kaja Kallas, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Policy, added: "We only heard that the negotiations were difficult but constructive."
As reported by Russia Today news network, the European diplomat continued: "We still don't know the results. I will be speaking with the Ukrainian Defense Minister and Foreign Minister today."
Steve Witkoff, the US Presidential Special Envoy, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law and advisor to US President Donald Trump, represented the American side in the peace negotiations with the Ukrainian delegation.
The negotiations were held near Miami at a private club named "Shell Bay," which was developed by Witkoff's real estate company.
The Ukrainian delegation included Rustem Umerov, National Security Advisor and Ukrainian Minister of Defense, Sergiy Kyslytsya, Deputy Foreign Minister, Oksana Stefanishyna, Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, General Andriy Hontov, Chief of the Army Staff, and Ukrainian intelligence officials.
'Difficult but Constructive' Discussions
The EU Foreign Policy Chief stated today (Monday) that the coming days will be a potentially decisive period for the diplomacy of the Ukraine war, following what she described as "difficult but constructive" discussions in the United States regarding a potential peace agreement.
Speaking ahead of the EU Defense Ministers meeting in Brussels, Kallas focused the agenda on increasing military aid to Ukraine and boosting the defense industry capacity of the bloc. She offered a sharp assessment of Russia’s stance, claiming that there was no sign of Moscow's genuine willingness to end the conflict.
Focus on Support and Military Preparedness
Kaja Kallas claimed: "The conclusion is clear; Russia does not want peace. Therefore, our duty is to make Ukraine as strong as possible."
She described the near future as a "pivotal week for diplomacy," noting that Ukrainian officials would brief their European counterparts directly. Reports on the US negotiations held in Florida suggest that the talks focused on defining potential borders, a central and highly sensitive issue in any future agreement for the war that began with Russia's invasion in February 2022.
Internal EU Disputes
Meanwhile, the Turkish newspaper Yeni Şafak reported that the Brussels meeting was also aimed at resolving internal European disagreements, particularly regarding the proposal to use windfall profits from frozen Russian state assets to finance military aid to Ukraine.
While acknowledging that some member states, including Belgium, have "legitimate concerns," Kallas noted that the majority in the 27-member bloc are ready to accept the associated risks. She also defended "fair" international pressure, stating: "If pressure is applied to the Ukrainian army—which has not attacked anyone—then commensurate pressure must also be applied to the Russian army."
Strategic Outlook and Turkey's Role
Kallas also stressed that although diplomacy and material support from the West are vital, the ultimate responsibility for defense still lies with Ukraine. This sensitive juncture highlights the complex interplay between battlefield dynamics and negotiating tables.
According to Yeni Şafak, this situation underscores the ongoing importance of balanced international mediation efforts, such as those previously undertaken by countries like Turkey; a country that has specifically maintained channels with both Kyiv and Moscow aimed at de-escalation and humanitarian solutions.
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