Europe seeks strong guarantees from Russia in new peace framework

The European Union is preparing to present Russia with a set of stringent conditions for achieving peace in Europe, outlined in a document titled “Europe’s Core Interests in Ensuring a Comprehensive, Just and Lasting Peace and Security on the Continent.”

According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the paper is currently being circulated among EU member states by the bloc’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas.

Among the central provisions is a demand for the withdrawal of Russian forces not only from Ukraine but also from Belarus, Georgia, Armenia and Transnistria. The EU additionally insists on reparations payments to Ukraine, the demilitarisation of occupied territories, refusal to legally recognise those territories, and an end to hybrid attacks targeting European states.

The document also addresses domestic developments inside Russia, proposing the holding of free elections under international supervision, the release of political prisoners, the return of deported citizens, the repeal of the “foreign agents” legislation, and cooperation with investigations into the killings of Alexei Navalny and Boris Nemtsov.

Officials in Brussels underline that Europe’s long-term security cannot be ensured without direct EU participation in peace negotiations. The bloc is also considering establishing the post of a special EU representative responsible for relations with Russia. Some of the proposals may be reviewed by EU foreign ministers during a meeting scheduled for February 23.

By Tamilla Hasanova