Kaja Kallas: “Russia can’t be trusted”

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has reiterated that Russia does not truly want peace in Ukraine and cannot be trusted, as the world watches an upcoming call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

Speaking after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday, Kallas reacted to Putin’s pre-conditions for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, saying that Russia is using the opportunity to push its ultimate goals rather than genuinely seeking peace.

“Russia will seize this opportunity to present all kinds of demands, and what we already see is that they are presenting demands that are ultimate goals,” Kallas warned.

Her remarks follow Putin’s vague response to the US-proposed ceasefire, which Ukraine has already accepted. The Kremlin has asked for certain “nuances” to be clarified, including whether Western military aid to Kyiv would continue.

“The ball is in Russia’s court,” Kallas said, adding that there was a shared understanding among EU ministers that Russia cannot really be trusted.

When asked whether Europe would be included in the U.S.-led talks, Kallas responded: “As we see, there is no negotiating table because Russia is not coming to the negotiating table.”

She also highlighted broad political support for a €40 billion military aid package for Ukraine, stressing the urgency of moving forward.

“We must support Ukraine so that it can defend itself,” Kallas concluded, referring to recent European Council discussions on accelerating military assistance.