The head of EU diplomacy accuses the USA of not using its “tools” to press Russia / sharp message in Crimea

The head of the EU foreign policy, Kaja Kallas, told AFP that the US has not used its “tools” it has to press Russia. At the same time, she accused Moscow of firing through the armistice she announced in Easter in Ukraine.

“They did not hold the armistice. I mean it is clear that Russia plays all these games and delays, and does not really want peace,” Kallas said in the interview.

“They believe that time is on their side, so it doesn't really show good signs or goodwill,” the head of European diplomacy continued.

US President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw from the efforts to stop the Ukraine if he does not see progress from Kiev and Moscow will be withdrawn.

Later, the American leader said he hopes for a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine “this week” and promised “big businesses with the United States” for the two countries in the war if he signs a fire termination agreement.

Kaja Kallas believes that the 30 -hour armistice announcing Easter Russia was a stratagem so that Trump “does not lose patience” in terms of Kremlin.

Kiev and its European supporters, continued the head of EU diplomacy, hoped that Washington would adopt a tougher position compared to Moscow before a possible abandonment of peace efforts.

“In fact, they have tools in hand to press on Russia. They have not used these tools,” she says.

“If they leave now without using the tools they really have in their hands, then my big question is: why? Why don't I use the tools to really put an end to this war?” Added the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Kallas said he was afraid that Trump could wash his hands on the Ukraine war, but continue to try to make agreements with Moscow, regardless of the situation.

The UK hosts a meeting on Ukraine on Wednesday, in which both Kiev and US and France representatives will attend.

The head of EU diplomacy: “Crimea is Ukraine”

Kallas believes that it would be a mistake for the US to consider recognizing the Crimea Peninsula-illegally attached to Moscow in 2014-as a Russian territory, as part of a possible agreement.

“Then, Russia clearly obtains what it wants,” warned the head of European diplomacy.

She claims that the EU will never recognize the peninsula as a Russian.

“Crimea is Ukraine,” said Kaja Kallas.

So far, the EU has been excluded from the peace efforts, but Washington acknowledges that the Community block will have to be involved at some point, with the vast sanctions against Russia.

The Kremlin is desperate to obtain a lifting of sanctions as part of any negotiations, but the head of the EU foreign policy has said that the community block should not relax the punitive measures regime until Russia will prove to rise to a peace agreement.