Ukraine War: Russia Weakened, Europe United – Latest News & Munich Security Conference Updates

BRUSSELS – European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is drafting a list of specific concessions Russia must make to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine, a move prompted by a perceived lack of progress in U.S.-brokered negotiations and growing concerns that Moscow is not engaging in serious dialogue.

The EU’s initiative comes as Russian forces continue military operations, including the use of cluster munitions, as recently as last week during a market attack in Ukraine even as envoys from both countries met in Abu Dhabi. Seven people were killed in the attack, according to reports. Despite the ongoing violence, a new prisoner swap was agreed upon during the talks.

Kallas has expressed skepticism about the current negotiation process, noting that former President Trump has set a deadline of June for Ukraine and Russia to reach an agreement. She has previously stated that he could end the war in a day, then 100 days, but now has given both countries until June to come to an agreement. The EU fears that European and Ukrainian interests are not adequately represented in the U.S.-led talks.

“We have just seen increased bombing by Russians during these talks,” Kallas said, specifically citing the targeting of Ukraine’s electricity grid during the coldest period of the war. The EU believes Russia is attempting to gain leverage at the negotiating table through continued military pressure.

The proposed concessions from Russia, according to Kallas, will focus on actions directly impacting Ukraine and regional security. These include the return of Ukrainian children who have been abducted and a significant limitation of Russia’s armed forces. Kallas emphasized that the conditions should be directed at Russia, not Ukraine.

At the Munich Security Conference, Kallas warned that the greatest threat currently facing Ukraine is Russia’s success in achieving gains at the negotiating table that it has not secured on the battlefield. She called for a firm stance, demanding that Russia limit its military capabilities, provide reparations for damages caused by the war, and be held accountable for alleged war crimes.

Kallas too stated that European defense “starts in Ukraine” and that the outcome of the war will be crucial for the future of European security. She indicated that the EU is prepared to take a leading role in establishing a sustainable peace plan, even if it requires forcing Russia’s hand through a clear set of demands.

Speaking at the same conference, Kallas dismissed the notion that Russia is a superpower, asserting that its economy is in a weakened state. She also emphasized the resilience of Europe, stating that it is not in decline.

While President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly called for a firm date for Ukraine’s membership in the EU as part of a broader security package, Kallas indicated on Sunday that EU governments are currently not prepared to offer such a commitment.