EU Warns US-Russia Talks Could Pressure Ukraine Into Concessions

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

BRUSSELS/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, warned Monday that upcoming talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff could pressure Kyiv into making concessions. The two men are expected to meet on Tuesday.

Kallas said she was concerned the meeting may shift diplomatic leverage away from Ukraine at a time when Europe insists negotiations must include Kyiv directly.

Her comments came as French President Emmanuel Macron held talks in Paris with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with both leaders vowing that no decisions about peace can be made without Ukraine and Europe at the table.

The discussions were followed by a series of phone consultations between European leaders and Witkoff to coordinate strategy ahead of his meeting with Putin.

The Netherlands, meanwhile, announced an additional 250 million euro contribution to NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), aimed at rapidly supplying U.S.-made weapons to Ukraine.

EUROPE STEPS UP SUPPORT AS RUSSIA MAKES NEW GAINS

The diplomatic push comes as Russian forces achieved their biggest territorial advance in Ukraine in a year, according to an analysis by the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Kallas insisted any peace effort must maintain pressure on Russia, not Ukraine, and warned that forcing Kyiv into concessions would “reward the aggressor.”

Zelenskyy and Macron reiterated that Ukraine must not be sidelined in talks and stressed that any agreement must guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty, borders, and long-term security.

The accelerated diplomacy comes as winter fighting intensifies and Russia increases attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.

European officials said the renewed military and diplomatic activity reflects concerns that Moscow may be seeking to reshape the battlefield before serious negotiations begin.

NETHERLANDS BOOSTS AID AS DIPLOMACY INTENSIFIES

The Dutch pledge under PURL is part of a broader NATO military alliance effort to procure weapons and ammunition for Ukraine amid fears that European military aid slowed earlier this year.

Analysts say continued European support is essential as Russia attempts to consolidate gains made in November.

Witkoff’s trip to Moscow follows days of consultations with European leaders, who privately worry the U.S. may consider proposals unfavorable to Kyiv.

Kallas said Europe must remain united in ensuring that “peace is not made at Ukraine’s expense.”

Kyiv, Washington, and European partners all acknowledge that significant issues — including territorial control and security guarantees — remain unresolved in ongoing peace discussions.

WAR’S HUMAN TOLL MOUNTS AS TALKS CONTINUE

Ukraine has repeatedly stated that it will not accept any deal that requires it to cede territory or weaken its military capabilities.

The war began on February 24, 2022, when Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Since then, the conflict has killed tens of thousands of soldiers on both sides and at least 10,000 civilians, according to United Nations estimates, though actual numbers are believed to be significantly higher.

More than 18 million people have required humanitarian assistance, and over 6 million Ukrainians have fled abroad, making it Europe’s largest displacement crisis since World War Two.

Despite the rising toll, Kyiv and its allies say only a just and durable peace — not capitulation — can end the war.

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