Kaja Kallas: US has pressured Kyiv for a year and a half, but Europe prevented capitulation

The European Union is a key factor that prevented Ukraine from surrendering to Moscow's demands, despite pressure from Washington. This is emphasised by the head of EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallas.

Washington's pressure and Europe's role

Speaking during debates in the European Parliament, Kallas stated that the American side has been insisting for a year and a half that Ukraine accept defeat in the conflict with Russia.

«Хоча американські переговорники вже півтора роки намагаються підштовхнути Україну до капітуляції, причина, чому Україна не капітулювала на умовах Путіна (російського диктатора Володимира Путіна - ред.), полягає в тому, що Європа підтримувала Україну» (Although American negotiators have been trying to push Ukraine towards capitulation for a year and a half, the reason Ukraine has not capitulated on Putin's (Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's - ed.) terms is that Europe has supported Ukraine), she emphasised.

According to Kallas, Brussels understands that there is simply no other option but to continue helping Kyiv.

Strategy of a 'maximalist plan' in negotiations

The head of EU diplomacy also mentioned her concept, which she calls the "maximalist plan". This initiative provides for active European participation in the peace process between Kyiv and Moscow.

«Якщо Росія висуває свої максимальні вимоги та запити, ми також маємо покласти на стіл наші максимальні вимоги, щоб збалансувати ці переговори» (If Russia puts forward its maximum demands and requests, we must also put our maximum demands on the table to balance these negotiations), Kallas added.

She emphasised that the issue of lifting sanctions falls under the jurisdiction of the European Union, so the bloc must necessarily be present at the negotiating table.

«Ми повинні дуже, дуже чітко заявити, що у нас також є вимоги до Росії. Ми не віддаємо ці речі безкоштовно, тому що йдеться не лише про те, щоб настав мир, а й про те, щоб цей мир був тривалим та справедливим» (We must state very, very clearly that we also have demands on Russia. We do not give these things away for free, because it is not just about peace being established, but about this peace being lasting and fair), Kallas concluded.