The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, called for support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Russia, emphasizing that Donbas is not Russia’s ultimate goal. She made these remarks at the opening of the offsite informal meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Kyiv.
The High Representative stressed that despite the world’s attention being focused on the Middle East, the EU continues to support Ukraine.
“This means further sanctions against Russia and its accomplices, which will cut off Russia’s oil revenues, including dismantling the shadow fleet and providing Ukraine with a €90 billion loan,” she stated. “We must oppose Moscow, not finance it,” she added.
Kallas emphasized that everyone wants the war to end, and no one desires this more than the Ukrainians themselves.
“Russia is trying to achieve at the negotiating table what it could not achieve on the battlefield, but for peace to last, it must be just. We all know that Donbas is not Russia’s ultimate goal,” she said.
The High Representative mentioned her visit to Bucha in the morning, where meeting participants were reminded of what is at stake.
“There is no clearer example of Russia’s cruelty than what happened there four years ago. And Bucha is not an isolated case. It is an example of how Russia always wages war ruthlessly, illegally, and without limits, and a reminder that giving up territories is not just about land, but about the people who live on that land. And this is exactly what is happening to these people in the occupied territories, as we saw in Bucha today,” Kallas said.
She emphasized that accountability is crucial and key to lasting peace.
“That is why the European Union is moving forward with the creation of a special tribunal to hold those responsible for the war accountable. The EU is also leading work on a claims commission so that the Ukrainian people can seek compensation for the destruction caused by Russia’s war, while in the meantime, we assist you in many other ways, including support for Ukraine and its energy sector,” the High Representative noted.
Kallas stressed that it is important today to personally hear the assessment of President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding the current situation at the front and the state of diplomatic efforts.
“So, Mr. President Zelensky, thank you for receiving us. Thank you very much,” she concluded.
The Head of State thanked Kaja Kallas for her visit to Ukraine on the fourth anniversary of the liberation of Bucha from Russian occupiers and for her support of Ukrainians throughout all years of Russian aggression. The President awarded the High Representative of the European Union the Order of Princess Olga, First Class.
