EU maintains that Crimea remains Russian territory, according to Kallas' statement.
In an informal chat, EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, shared her stance on April 30, stating unequivocally that the European Union will never acknowledge Russia's annexation of Crimea. This statement came during a Financial Times interview against the backdrop of growing speculation about the Trump administration bullying Ukraine into signing a peace deal that could pave the way for renewed relations with Russia.
According to previous reports by Axios, the peace plan pushed by President Trump comprises de jure recognition of Russia's control over Crimea and de facto recognition of its occupation of other Ukrainian territories. Additionally, it advocates for lifting sanctions imposed on Russia since 2014.
Kallas stated, "Crimea is Ukraine, plain and simple." However, she emphasized that the EU can't speak for America, leaving the U.S.'s intentions up in the air.
In case the Trump administration abandons Ukraine peace negotiations and pursues reconciliation with Moscow, the EU has a backup strategy. Dubbed "plan B," this strategy aims to maintain economic sanctions on Russia. Kallas hinted that Hungary could potentially thwart the extension of these sanctions in July.
The EU's main objective remains keeping all EU countries united. Despite some whispers of governments considering following the U.S. if it withdraws support for Ukraine, Kallas cautioned against placing faith in such a move. She argued that should Russia win any part of the conflict, it would utilize its military forces more aggressively, posing a significant threat to the region.
In case the U.S. decides to step back, the EU may provide financial assistance to Ukraine. However, Kallas acknowledged that replacing American military support would be a daunting task. She reiterated the EU's intention to work with the U.S. and persuade Washington to recognize that its interests align with preventing a Russian victory in the conflict.
Despite promising a swift resolution to the war, Trump has yet to succeed in brokering a deal. Both Kyiv and Moscow have resisted key elements of the U.S.'s proposals. Since the introduction of a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire in March, tensions have continued to escalate along the front lines. Russia has persisted with offensive operations, and joint ceasefires aimed at protecting Ukraine's energy infrastructure have repeatedly been violated.
On a side note, the U.S. and Ukraine signed an agreement on April 30 to establish the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, focusing on post-war recovery while distancing themselves from entities connected to Russia's war efforts. Meanwhile, VP JD Vance hinted that the U.S. might exit peace talks if Russia and Ukraine fail to agree to the proposed peace plan.
- Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, refuted Russia's annexation of Crimea, stating, "Crimea is Ukraine, plain and simple."
- The US's proposed peace plan, as reported by Axios, includes de jure recognition of Russia's control over Crimea, which Kallas' stance contradicts.
- Despite the US's intentions remaining unclear, the EU has a contingency plan, dubbed "plan B," to maintain economic sanctions on Russia if the US abandons Ukraine peace negotiations and pursues reconciliation with Moscow.
- Kallas emphasized that the EU's main objective remains keeping all EU countries united, and she cautioned against placing faith in the U.S.'s potential withdrawal of support for Ukraine, as it could lead to a more aggressive Russian threat in the region.
