Russian presidential aide dismisses Kallas’ remarks as "street talk"

The Kremlin has dismissed recent remarks by the European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas regarding potential conditions for Russia in future negotiations on Ukraine, with a senior Russian official describing them as “public statements” that receive little attention.

“These are just the usual street remarks from this lady, to which everyone has already grown accustomed and to which few people react,” Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov said, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

His comments came after Kallas, speaking ahead of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Cyprus, said the European Union would seek to impose limits on Russia’s armed forces if negotiations on the Ukraine conflict begin.

The EU, she said, intends to take a “maximalist” approach in any peace talks, including demanding restrictions on Russia’s military and opposing recognition of territories seized by force.

She warned against getting bogged down in speculation over who might represent the bloc in potential peace talks, calling the debate a Russian "trap."

By Sabina Mammadli