Kallas warns Ukraine conflict could last several more years

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has warned that the conflict in Ukraine could continue for another couple of years.

Speaking to a group of media outlets, Kallas outlined what she sees as potential scenarios for the war’s development, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“I think a realistic scenario is that the war will continue for another couple of years,” she said. “Unfortunately, efforts to achieve peace, including those by President Trump, have yielded no results.”

Under a more pessimistic scenario, Kallas suggested that Ukraine might be forced to cede some of its territory.

On China, she highlighted two main challenges it poses for the EU: support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict and “coercive economic practices.”

“We are not ready to act as a global player when it comes to China, because we lack a unified vision on what needs to be done,” Kallas added.

On September 9, Kallas told the European Parliament that Russian President Vladimir Putin is uninterested in peace in Ukraine.

“Putin has zero interest in peace and will not stop the war unless he is forced to,” Kallas said.

She stressed Europe’s resolve to support Ukraine:

“Russia has not broken the resolve of Ukraine. It is not breaking ours either.”

Kallas added that Russia cannot win the war and must withdraw and negotiate with Ukraine. She warned that, once peace is restored, Russia must not be allowed to rearm.

She also reported that EU countries have supplied 80% of their 2 million rounds of ammunition, aiming to reach 100% by October.

By Aghakazim Guliyev