The High Representative of the European Union, Kaja Kallas, warned against rushing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, as it may lead to a “bad deal” for Kyiv. She stressed the importance of not underestimating the power of unity, citing the recent collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria as evidence that Russia is not invincible. Kallas emphasized that acting together as a great power is essential to secure a just and sustainable peace in the ongoing conflict.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda echoed Kallas’ sentiments, stating that Russia is not currently willing to negotiate, making any premature peace talks counterproductive. Nausėda called for increased military and financial support for Ukraine to strengthen the country’s position before entering into negotiations. He criticized the EU for making promises without delivering on them, emphasizing the need for strategic action rather than mere rhetoric.
The possibility of Ukraine-Russia negotiations has been discussed following Donald Trump’s victory in the United States. Trump’s team has proposed a plan that involves cutting off military support to Ukraine unless they agree to talks with Russia, while boosting assistance if Russia declines. French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested the need for a peacekeeping mission inside Ukraine, a proposal that has sparked controversy among European leaders.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has intensified, with Russian forces gaining ground and North Korean soldiers joining the fight in the Kursk region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of unity between the United States and Europe to stop Russian aggression and save Ukraine. However, there are differing opinions among European leaders, with Hungary’s Viktor Orbán proposing a “Christmas ceasefire” and Slovakia’s Robert Fico suggesting that the EU transition from being an arms supplier to a peacemaker.
The European Union summit in Brussels highlighted the complexity of the situation in Ukraine and the need for a unified approach to address Russian aggression. Leaders discussed the importance of supporting Ukraine through increased military and financial aid, as well as potential peacekeeping efforts. The summit underscored the challenges of negotiating with Russia amidst ongoing conflict and the necessity of strategic decision-making to achieve lasting peace in the region.
