During a press conference after the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, Kallas emphasized that Russia is the aggressor in the conflict with Ukraine and putting pressure on Kiev is not the right approach. She pointed out that concessions to Moscow could lead to further acts of aggression in the future. Kallas also referred to reports by the Financial Times, according to which US President Donald Trump allegedly encouraged Volodymyr Zelensky to make territorial concessions to Russia, including giving up Donbas. Trump denied this information and Kallas noted that the American leader declares his desire to end the war.
Kallas expressed her belief that the European Commission's proposal to use the frozen assets of the Russian central bank for Ukraine's defense needs was positively received by EU ministers. She emphasized that it is crucial to quickly resolve legal and fiscal issues so that the funds can reach Ukraine in the form of an EU loan. The assets in question are held in the Euroclear clearing house in Belgium, and Kiev would repay the loan only after the war ends and reparations are obtained from Russia.
EU foreign ministers also discussed the proposal for the 19th sanctions package against Russia, which may be adopted this week. The package proposed by the European Commission in September includes, among others: ban on imports of Russian liquefied gas from 2027, financial restrictions against Rosneft and Gazprom Neft, as well as sanctions against Russian ships from the so-called shadow fleets. Adoption of the package requires the unanimous consent of all EU member states.
Kallas emphasized that Ukraine needs both military and financial support, and the European Union's actions are aimed at putting pressure on Russia to end its aggression. Leaders of member states will discuss the use of Russian assets at the EU summit in Brussels on Thursday.
