European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has warned that attempts to reach a peace agreement in Ukraine are being undermined by Russia’s continued refusal to engage meaningfully in negotiations.
Speaking ahead of the EU Council summit in Brussels, Kallas said Moscow has shown no serious intent to pursue peace, despite growing international support for diplomatic efforts to end the war.
She said Russia had rejected proposed ceasefire initiatives, including a truce during the Christmas period, and accused Moscow of merely giving the appearance of negotiations rather than participating in them genuinely.
Kallas stressed that pressure on Russia remains insufficient and largely unbalanced, arguing that stronger measures are needed to push the Kremlin towards real talks.
The EU’s foreign policy chief also addressed the bloc’s proposed reparations loan for Ukraine, which is intended to support reconstruction efforts over the next two years. She said the proposal takes into account concerns raised by Belgium and other member states and expressed hope that an agreement could be finalised.
According to Kallas, the loan sends a clear message to Moscow that the EU will remain united and persistent in its support for Ukraine. She said Russia is counting on divisions within the bloc and warned that failure would weaken Europe’s position.
The proposal is linked to approximately €210 billion in Russian assets currently frozen within the EU. Brussels plans to use profits generated from those assets to finance assistance for Ukraine. However, legal and financial concerns have been raised, particularly by Belgium, where most of the assets are held by financial services firm Euroclear.
On the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine, Kallas said discussions among allies are progressing, adding that long-term protection against future attacks will require firm commitments, including from the United States.
She emphasised that credible security assurances are essential to ensuring Ukraine’s stability once the conflict ends.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry says it has conveyed its initial position to the United States through Qatar over Washington’s response to Tehr...
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 5 October 2026. These are the top five elections making headlines around the world....
The United States has withdrawn all 12 of its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Britain, just a week after several people were arrested over an alle...
Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has resigned, with Hamid Bovard, chief executive of the state-owned National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), appointed as acting oil minister, according to Iranian state media.
Right-wing Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro will face leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a runoff of the presidential election later this month, after he exceeded expectations in Sunday's first-round vote with a slight lead over the incumbent.
Candidates elected to Bosnia and Herzegovina's three-member presidency declared victory after preliminary unofficial results showed Denis Becirovic leading the Bosniak seat, Darijana Filipovic ahead in the Croat seat and Zeljka Cvijanovic likely retaining the Serb seat.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets seven conditions agreed under a June memorandum, as President Donald Trump signals he may soon decide whether to resume military operations against Tehran.
Uzbekistan’s grape exports have grown rapidly. In January-August 2025, the country exported 86,200 tonnes of fresh grapes worth $78.3 million to 19 countries but can it turn these crops into a recognisable international product?
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 5 October 2026. These are the top five elections making headlines around the world.
The United States has withdrawn all 12 of its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Britain, just a week after several people were arrested over an alleged plot targeting the air base.
Australian counterterrorism authorities are examining the links of the co-pilot accused of attacking the captain and attempting to take control of a flydubai flight bound for Israel. Authorities in New Zealand have also said they are investigating reports the suspect had spent time in that country.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Monday called a snap election for 29 November in a bid to strengthen his mandate after a fragmented parliament rejected the government's key housing decrees last week amid widespread protests.
King Charles’ younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has launched legal action against Thames Valley Police over his arrest in connection with an investigation into documents allegedly passed to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the Telegraph reported on Sunday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment