The European Union and all 27 member states remain united in their demand for a full and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, a step Ukraine agreed to over 60 days ago. The EU is prepared to intensify pressure on Russia to push it toward a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution.
This was stated by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meetings involving defense and foreign ministers, a Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“First, on Ukraine: I think it is important, as we have all said – 27 of us – that there has to be a full and unconditional ceasefire. Ukraine has already agreed to this more than 60 days ago. Ans we have agreed that if Russia does not agree, as we saw yesterday, then we will put more pressure. We will agree on the 17th package of sanctions today, but we continue our working on the next strong package of sanctions to put more pressure on Russia so that they would also want peace,” Kallas said.
Responding to questions about the recent call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Kallas emphasized that the U.S. had previously declared its readiness to act decisively if Russia did not agree to a ceasefire — as Ukraine already has. The EU expects the same “strong action” from the U.S.
“America said that if Russia doesn’t agree on an unconditional ceasefire, then there are going to be consequences. So we want to see those consequences, also from the US side,” she noted.
As previously reported by Ukrinform, on Monday, May 19, Trump and Putin held a two-hour phone call. Following the conversation, Trump said Russia and Ukraine should immediately begin ceasefire talks and work toward ending the war.
However, Trump refused to increase sanctions on Russia, stating there is still “a chance” for progress in peace negotiations.
After the call, Putin claimed Russia is ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum outlining terms for a potential future peace deal, including principles of settlement, a timeline for agreement, and a possible temporary ceasefire if certain terms are met.
President Volodymyr Zelensky later said he does not know what principles Russia is proposing in that memorandum.
Photo: European Union
Source: EU to step up pressure on Russia to push for peace – Kaja Kallas
