EU leaders recently nominated Ursula von der Leyen to continue serving as European Commission president and selected Kaja Kallas as the next EU foreign policy chief. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, expressed pessimism about the potential for improved EU-Russia relations following these appointments. Peskov specifically highlighted Von der Leyen’s lack of support for normalizing relations between the EU and Russia, as well as Kallas’ history of making anti-Russian statements. The strained relations between the EU and Russia have been ongoing since Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and it remains to be seen if these appointments will impact any attempts at normalization.
Kaja Kallas, the Estonian Prime Minister, has been a vocal critic of the Kremlin and has played a significant role in advocating for sanctions against Russia, military support for Ukraine, and enhancing the EU’s defense capabilities in response to Russian aggression. Her actions have led to her being branded as a wanted person in Russia after she pushed for the removal of Soviet-era World War II monuments in Estonia, which the Kremlin viewed as a hostile act against its historic memory. Peskov’s comments suggest that Kallas’ appointment as the EU foreign policy chief may further strain relations between the EU and Russia, given her strong anti-Russian stance and past statements.
The appointment of Ursula von der Leyen, who has been nominated for another term as European Commission president, also drew criticism from Peskov, who questioned her commitment to normalizing relations between the EU and Russia. Von der Leyen’s track record on Russia-related issues has apparently left a negative impression on the Kremlin, with Peskov accusing her of not being supportive of a closer relationship between the EU and Russia. This lack of endorsement for improved relations from key EU figures like von der Leyen could hinder any potential negotiations or attempts at de-escalating tensions between the two parties.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, EU-Russian relations have been chilly, with both sides engaging in a war of words and imposing sanctions on each other. The conflict in Ukraine, now in its third year, has been a major point of contention between the EU and Russia, further complicating any efforts to improve relations. The lack of progress in resolving the Ukraine conflict and addressing other key issues has contributed to the ongoing strain in EU-Russia relations, making it challenging to find common ground for collaboration or dialogue.
The ongoing tensions between the EU and Russia have had far-reaching implications for diplomatic relations and international politics across Europe. The appointment of leaders like Ursula von der Leyen and Kaja Kallas, who have taken strong stances against Russian aggression, may further complicate efforts to bridge the divide between the two sides. The EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and defending its own interests in the face of Russian threats has been a key factor in shaping its approach to relations with Moscow, with leaders like Kallas being seen as hawkish on Russia-related issues.
Overall, the appointment of Ursula von der Leyen as European Commission president and Kaja Kallas as the next EU foreign policy chief is likely to have a significant impact on EU-Russian relations. The comments from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s press secretary suggest that the Kremlin views these appointments with skepticism and doubts the willingness of these leaders to improve relations with Russia. As the conflict in Ukraine continues and tensions persist, finding common ground between the EU and Russia remains a major challenge, with the potential for further strain on diplomatic ties in the future.
