EU top diplomat signals openness to Putin dialogue

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said she would answer a phone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin or Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov if such an opportunity arose, while stressing that the European Union should not enter negotiations with Moscow on its terms.

Speaking to YLE News in Finland, Kallas said she was ready to engage in a conversation and noted that she had previously met Lavrov at international forums, including ASEAN and G20 meetings, where she directly conveyed the EU’s position.

“Of course, I will talk if such an opportunity arises,” Kallas said.

She said the EU could not currently serve as a direct mediator between Ukraine and Russia because it was supporting Kyiv in the war. However, she noted that any potential settlement would involve issues requiring decisions by European countries.

According to Kallas, Russia has sought to negotiate by making demands over matters that “never belonged to it,” while using threats and expecting proposals from the West. She argued that Russia should not be rewarded for its aggression against Ukraine.

Kallas also suggested that Moscow could demand the return of frozen Russian assets as part of negotiations. She said such issues should not be resolved “free of charge” and argued that the EU should respond to Russia’s maximalist demands with its own demands to maintain a balanced negotiating position.

By Vafa Guliyeva