EU warns Russia blocking Ukraine peace efforts, urges increased pressure

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.

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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.

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