Kallas: American Negotiators Have Been Pushing Ukraine Toward Capitulation for Almost Two Years

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said that American negotiators have been pushing Ukraine toward capitulation for almost two years. She made the statement at a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

According to Kallas, Ukraine has not surrendered to Putin's conditions because Europe supports it. "Although American negotiators have been trying to push Ukraine toward capitulation for almost two years, a year and a half, why has Ukraine not surrendered to Putin's conditions? Because Europe supports Ukraine," Kallas said.

She noted that Europe must continue supporting Ukraine and has no other choice. Kallas also recalled that in February 2026 she presented EU foreign ministers with "a truly maximalist plan" for the EU's participation in peace negotiations.

"If Russia sets its maximalist demands and conditions, we must also put our maximalist demands on the table, so that, so to speak, we balance these negotiations," Kallas said.

According to her, Russia is specifically interested in lifting sanctions. Decisions on these issues fall within Europe's competence, so Europe must be represented at the negotiating table.

"But we must say very, very clearly that we also have demands of Russia. We do not give such things away for free, because it is not only about peace being established, but also about this peace being lasting and just," Kallas said.