Kaja Kallas in Dublin: Ceasefire first, then peace talks on Ukraine
Kallas told the Dublin summit that a halt to attacks on civilians must precede negotiations and said three names were considered in 2024 to represent Europe.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas told reporters in Dublin before the start of the European Political Community summit that the prospect of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine will be a central topic, but she sees no signs so far of goodwill from Moscow. Kallas said a ceasefire must come first, so attacks on civilians stop, and only afterwards should negotiations on a peace settlement begin.
“There must be a proper order — first to achieve a ceasefire for the bombing of civilians to really stop, and then to talk about a peace agreement and only then can we talk about the security architecture of Europe,” Kallas said.
Who would represent Europe
Asked who should represent Europe in any eventual talks between Ukraine and Russia, Kallas said that already in 2024 the option of selecting three people to take part in such discussions was considered.
“It was clear that during the selection of European representatives there would be many conversations with Russia, and therefore the choice of these three people was very specific. Those are António Costa and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, who represents Europe on security matters. Of course, leaders can decide differently and reopen discussions on that question,” Kallas said.
The question of who would represent Europe in possible negotiations with Russia is one of the key items at the summit agenda, and the leaders of the 27 EU member states are expected to examine it further at a special meeting tomorrow.
About fifty European and world leaders are participating in the Dublin gathering, including Canadian prime minister Mark Carney, who said Canada’s presence is part of its move closer to Europe. The summit is taking place under heightened security: Irish police have deployed the largest number of officers in their history, and traffic restrictions were introduced in parts of the city because many high-level officials are attending.
Photo: press material from the event
