Moscow does not want her at the negotiating table – Kallas explains why

European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has said that Russia does not want her to represent Europe in negotiations on Ukraine.

TodayPress TV reports, citing foreign media.

Kallas noted that all EU member states had agreed that she should represent Europe in the negotiations. According to her, Moscow is reluctant to face a strong negotiating counterpart.

The EU official stressed that Russia’s negotiating tactic is to start by making threats and issuing ultimatums, then use force to secure concessions from the West.

Kallas said Russia had no right to decide who should represent the other side in the negotiations. In her view, allowing Moscow to make such a decision could further increase Russia’s influence.

She also said that Jared Kushner recognised the importance of Europe’s involvement in reaching and implementing a Russia-Ukraine agreement. Kallas noted that Europe wanted to be not merely a participant in the negotiations, but also a party capable of influencing the final outcome.

Kubra Musayeva