EU Chief Warns Against Russian Peace Talk ‘Traps’

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has warned that focusing on who will lead potential peace talks between Ukraine and Russia is a deliberate “trap” set by Moscow to divide the bloc. Speaking at an informal summit of EU foreign ministers in Cyprus, Kallas emphasized that European nations must remain united and prioritize core security issues over individual personalities. She outlined strict demands for future negotiations, insisting that Russia respect international borders, withdraw its troops from countries like Georgia and Moldova, and face accountability for the war. Noting that Russian forces are currently lagging on the battlefield, Kallas stressed that any future decisions regarding sanctions will require collective European approval. Beyond the Ukraine conflict, the ministers also discussed broader global security concerns, including freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing instability in the Middle East.