Kallas emphasizes: a ceasefire is essential before negotiations with Russia are possible
EU’s chief diplomat, Kadri Vaela Kallas, explicitly emphasizes the necessity of a ceasefire before any negotiations with Russia regarding conflict resolution in Ukraine can begin. In her statement, she underlined that currently no diplomatic steps will succeed until Russian military actions cease, as without this, genuine peace and consensus between the parties cannot be achieved. Source: “European Pravda,” citing the English-language profile of The Guardian. One important aspect highlighted by Kallas is her reference to recent Russian attacks on Ukraine, particularly over 100 Russian drones carried out in a nighttime assault by Moscow. She pointed out that these actions demonstrate Russia’s lack of genuine intent to engage in constructive dialogue, instead showing provocations and games that complicate any peace process. “We must pressure Russia to finally seek peace and sit down at the negotiation table with Ukraine,” she stated. Simultaneously, she accused Moscow of gross deception and failure to fulfill commitments, emphasizing: “If they continue to bombard Ukraine and no ceasefire is announced, any attempts at negotiations under shelling are pointless and ineffective.” Another key focus was the positions of other major players. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares declared that if Russia’s intentions regarding a possible visit to Istanbul are merely a manipulative ploy to buy time or create a diplomatic illusion, then such a meeting loses all meaning. According to him, the focus should be on real steps aimed at ending the war, rather than illusions of games. It is worth recalling that Russian President Vladimir Putin previously announced plans to hold direct talks with Kyiv in Istanbul on May 15. This announcement caused a broad international reaction, including in the USA. Former President Donald Trump stated that he demands Ukraine agree to a meeting with Russian leadership in that city, asserting that such a step could help stop the war. Meanwhile, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has already expressed his openness to negotiations. In his latest speech, he said he is ready to personally discuss peace conditions with the Russian president in Istanbul on Thursday, May 15. This decision has sparked tension but also hope for possible dialogue, though many uncertainties remain regarding the true intentions and willingness to reach a constructive compromise from both sides. It is clear that Ukraine aims to achieve peace and stabilize the situation, while Russia is currently continuing to ignore the international community’s demands regarding the conditions for ending hostilities. The world is watching these developments with concern and hopes that diplomacy will prevail where fear and destruction have long dominated.