Russia's 'Maximalist Demands' Cannot Be Met With 'Minimalist Response,' EU's Kallas Says

"EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says the bloc may be open to direct talks with Moscow on trying to help settle the war in Ukraine but Moscow will have to temper its "maximalist" demands to pave the way for negotiations. Both the EU and individual European nations have failed to secure a seat at the negotiation table, with the United States locked in talks with Kyiv and Moscow for over a year."

"She circulated a discussion paper to EU capitals in February with several demands to make of Moscow in any potential future negotiation, including a cap on the Russian Army to mirror a proposed cap on Ukraine's forces, a withdrawal of Russian troops and bases in other post-Soviet countries, and competitive elections in Russia."

"Speaking to RFE/RL in Warsaw in an interview on March 4, Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, said she is ready to be the EU's negotiator and is "ready to do it if that's necessary." "But at the moment, it is not at the point where we are. The question is, what do we require?""

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas indicates the European Union may engage in direct negotiations with Moscow regarding Ukraine's war settlement, contingent on Russia reducing its maximalist negotiating positions. The EU and individual European nations have been excluded from peace talks dominated by the United States, which has engaged with Kyiv and Moscow for over a year. While prisoner exchanges and incremental progress suggest movement toward settlement, most observers doubt imminent breakthroughs without Ukraine conceding significant territory. European leaders, including French President Macron, advocate for a dedicated European envoy to engage Moscow. Kallas circulated a discussion paper outlining EU demands: capping Russian military forces, withdrawing Russian troops from post-Soviet countries, and implementing competitive elections in Russia. Though some diplomats consider these demands excessive, Kallas maintains readiness to serve as EU negotiator.

Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty