The European Union has pointed out that insufficient pressure is being placed on Russia during negotiations on securing peace in Ukraine – something that could result in a peace agreement effectively rewarding the aggressor.

Source : Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on 9 December in response to questions from members of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee

Details : Kallas said she is concerned that Russia is not facing enough pressure during the peace talks.

"We see the agreements and the discussions between Ukraine and the United States, and then the United States and Russia," Kallas said. "What we clearly see is that there is not much pressure on Russia, and that's why we continue with this part, because we can't end up in a situation where there's a peace agreement that actually rewards aggression, because then we will see more of it."

She noted that the EU has set out a number of conditions that constitute its "red lines".

Quote : "I mean, the respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of a nation and return to Ukraine and children, and all these points we have. I think it is important that we keep on raising these issues when it comes to also putting pressure on Russia."

More details : Kallas said she hopes an agreement can be reached next week on providing Ukraine with "reparations loans" using frozen Russian assets, as "it could be a game-changer in many respects".

Background :

• At the European Council meeting on 18 December, EU leaders are expected to decide whether to use frozen Russian assets to provide a "reparations loan" to Ukraine, or adopt a decision on alternative sources of financing.
• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he is confident that Ukraine will receive the frozen Russian funds.
• Seven states have sent a letter to EU leadership in support of the "reparations loan" for Ukraine, with Belgium remaining the main opponent.
• Last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss Russian assets.
• It should also be noted that an alternative to a reparations loan has been blocked by Hungary.

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