In an interview on Friday for the Italian daily “Corriere della Sera”, Kallas stated that “Russia is a problem for peace”. She emphasized that even if Ukraine received security guarantees, without Moscow's concessions, Europe may face new conflicts. If not in Ukraine, then somewhere else.
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In her opinion, a ceasefire is a preliminary condition, because Russia continues to attack civilians and civilian infrastructure as evidence of a lack of true will for peace.
Kallas argues that a sustainable peace requires mechanisms that prevent Russia from attacking again. This is why According to her, negotiations cannot be limited solely to securing Ukraine, but must include specific restrictions on the aggressor's side. In this context, she pointed to two areas: limits on the army and stopping the trend of increasing military spending.
Her words come at a time when the US is working on a proposal for an agreement to end the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II – an agreement that would have to be acceptable to both Kiev and Moscow. At the same time, Ukraine is said to be under increasing pressure from the White Houseto move more quickly towards a settlement, although it opposes elements of the US-backed proposal presented in recent weeks, which Kiev and some European capitals considered too favorable for Russia.
Work on a common position
On Friday, a representative of the French presidency also spoke, informing that Ukraine, the US and other European countries are still trying to reach a common position on the framework of the potential agreement, including security guarantees for Kiev. He noted that the goal is to create a “solid, lasting” peace offer, consistent with international law and the interests of Ukraine's sovereignty, which American negotiators could then present in Moscow. There is no joint document yet, and the talks are to continue in the coming days.
In this arrangement, the Kallas warning is quite clear. If the agreement is to stand the test of time, the West cannot limit itself to declarations and guarantees only for the attacked party. In her opinion, Russia must pay the price of durability – in the form of military restrictions that will reduce the risk of war returning in a different form and elsewhere in Europe.
