The European Union will not serve as a neutral mediator between Ukraine and Russia, nor attempt to replace the United States in the peace process, according to High Representative Kaja Kallas.
Speaking after an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Cyprus, Kallas stated: "One thing is very clear: Europe will never be a neutral mediator between Russia and Ukraine, because we are on Ukraine's side and we are defending our own security interests."
The debate over a potential EU special envoy for Russia talks has sharply divided member states. Kallas argued the priority should be defining a unified European position outlining concessions Russia must make, red lines, and conditions for negotiations.
These include non-recognition of occupied territories, cessation of sabotage and cyberattacks, payment of reparations, return of abducted Ukrainian children, and withdrawal of troops from Georgia and Moldova.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called for "precise, doable steps" such as demilitarizing the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and establishing humanitarian corridors.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled Washington's readiness to restart the peace process, saying: "The US stands ready and prepared to help facilitate the end of this war."
The Kremlin recently warned foreign citizens and diplomats to leave Kyiv, prompting EU member states to issue summons in protest. Kallas condemned the threat as "a public announcement of a war crime."