EU’s high rep: US to consult Kyiv, Brussels before Russia’s deal on Ukraine

EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas has confirmed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged to consult both Kyiv and Brussels before finalising any agreements with Russia regarding Ukraine.

This assurance was given during a NATO-Ukraine Council meeting, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

She emphasised that Rubio made it clear that discussions about Ukraine cannot proceed without involving Ukraine itself. Furthermore, Rubio acknowledged that the European Union's consent is essential, as the issue directly impacts Europe.

Kallas made these remarks upon her arrival on the second day of the NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels, underscoring the importance of collaboration and consensus between the EU and the US on the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. 

In a separate conversation with the press, Kallas was also asked about US tariffs. He refrained from directly criticising the Biden administration but expressed concern over the decision to impose a 20 per cent tariff on European goods. He described the move as not a very positive development and warned that it could embolden NATO's adversaries. 

The Ukraine-NATO Council meeting took place on April 3 in the form of a working dinner behind closed doors. No statements were made to the press following the meeting.

Earlier, Russia’s Silovoy Blok news website reported that there will be no rapid easing of sanctions pressure on the Russian economy.

By Naila Huseynova