Russians Declared Winners – Top EU Diplomat
Top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas has cautioned that Moscow is influencing the dynamics of the current US-Russia discussions regarding the Ukraine conflict. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The discussions held in Riyadh highlight Moscow's increasing influence, as noted by the bloc’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas.
According to Kallas, Moscow emerged victorious in the recent US-Russia dialogue in Saudi Arabia, where it effectively shaped the negotiation agenda. The high-level talks on Tuesday aimed at mending relations and addressing the ongoing Ukraine conflict, have left EU members frustrated. They criticized Washington for overlooking both Brussels and Kiev in the discussions.
In an interview with Euractiv on the day of the meeting, Kallas addressed the issue of Europe’s exclusion from the talks. “Of course, the Americans can meet with whomever they wish to,” she acknowledged. Nevertheless, she underscored that any peace arrangement related to Ukraine must involve European nations and the Ukrainians themselves.
Kallas pointed out that Russia appeared as the dominant player at the event: “Right now, if you also look at the images from Saudi Arabia, the Russians are the winners. Their posture is: ‘Everybody is coming to us now and offering us what we want.’” She cautioned against falling into “Russian traps.”
The Riyadh meeting took place after a phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they agreed to start negotiations aimed at resolving the near three-year conflict.
Last week, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the idea of deploying American forces as part of potential security assurances for Kiev. This shift led to an urgent meeting among America’s European NATO allies in France on Monday, aimed at solidifying a unified EU response, although it yielded no tangible outcomes.
When questioned about Europe’s alternatives should Trump continue to keep its leaders out of discussions, Kallas responded, “If some deal is agreed that we don’t agree to, then it will just fail, because it will not be implemented.” She highlighted the inconsistent messages coming from the Americans, sometimes even from the same individuals in different settings. Kallas expressed that understanding these discrepancies poses a challenge, and emphasized the need for Europe to adjust to the new administration’s approach.
“Right now, we should focus our strength on supporting Ukraine, and the stronger they are on the battlefield, the stronger they are behind the negotiation table,” she advised.
In related developments, PMG reported on Wednesday, citing EU diplomats, that the bloc is crafting a military aid package worth at least $6.2 billion for Ukraine. This package is set to include 1.5 million artillery shells and air defense systems, marking one of the largest military aid commitments from the bloc since the conflict escalated in 2022.
Additionally, Western media has stated that the EU is preparing its 16th package of sanctions against Russia. Although the measures have yet to be finalized, EU foreign ministers are expected to endorse them next week, according to AP.
Moscow has issued warnings regarding Western arms deliveries to Ukraine, claiming they merely extend the conflict without changing the outcome, while heightening the risk of a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko suggested that the EU could play a role in resolving the crisis by ceasing military and logistical support to Kiev.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
According to Kallas, Moscow emerged victorious in the recent US-Russia dialogue in Saudi Arabia, where it effectively shaped the negotiation agenda. The high-level talks on Tuesday aimed at mending relations and addressing the ongoing Ukraine conflict, have left EU members frustrated. They criticized Washington for overlooking both Brussels and Kiev in the discussions.
In an interview with Euractiv on the day of the meeting, Kallas addressed the issue of Europe’s exclusion from the talks. “Of course, the Americans can meet with whomever they wish to,” she acknowledged. Nevertheless, she underscored that any peace arrangement related to Ukraine must involve European nations and the Ukrainians themselves.
Kallas pointed out that Russia appeared as the dominant player at the event: “Right now, if you also look at the images from Saudi Arabia, the Russians are the winners. Their posture is: ‘Everybody is coming to us now and offering us what we want.’” She cautioned against falling into “Russian traps.”
The Riyadh meeting took place after a phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they agreed to start negotiations aimed at resolving the near three-year conflict.
Last week, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the idea of deploying American forces as part of potential security assurances for Kiev. This shift led to an urgent meeting among America’s European NATO allies in France on Monday, aimed at solidifying a unified EU response, although it yielded no tangible outcomes.
When questioned about Europe’s alternatives should Trump continue to keep its leaders out of discussions, Kallas responded, “If some deal is agreed that we don’t agree to, then it will just fail, because it will not be implemented.” She highlighted the inconsistent messages coming from the Americans, sometimes even from the same individuals in different settings. Kallas expressed that understanding these discrepancies poses a challenge, and emphasized the need for Europe to adjust to the new administration’s approach.
“Right now, we should focus our strength on supporting Ukraine, and the stronger they are on the battlefield, the stronger they are behind the negotiation table,” she advised.
In related developments, PMG reported on Wednesday, citing EU diplomats, that the bloc is crafting a military aid package worth at least $6.2 billion for Ukraine. This package is set to include 1.5 million artillery shells and air defense systems, marking one of the largest military aid commitments from the bloc since the conflict escalated in 2022.
Additionally, Western media has stated that the EU is preparing its 16th package of sanctions against Russia. Although the measures have yet to be finalized, EU foreign ministers are expected to endorse them next week, according to AP.
Moscow has issued warnings regarding Western arms deliveries to Ukraine, claiming they merely extend the conflict without changing the outcome, while heightening the risk of a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko suggested that the EU could play a role in resolving the crisis by ceasing military and logistical support to Kiev.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
