JAKARTA - The head of foreign policy of the European Union, Kaja Kallas, said Europe "will never be a neutral mediator" between Russia and Ukraine, stressing that the bloc is firmly supporting Kyiv by trying to increase pressure on Moscow.
"One thing is very clear: Europe will never be a neutral mediator between Russia and Ukraine because we are on the side of Ukraine and we defend our own core security interests," Kallas told reporters after an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Limassol, Cyprus.
Kallas stressed that Ukraine and Russia ultimately need to negotiate directly.
"It is very important that we encourage Ukraine and Russia to talk to each other, because there are so many issues that only they can decide and no one else," said Kallas.
"Maybe there are countries that do this back-and-forth diplomacy, but in the end, they are the ones who have to sit down to discuss issues that only they can decide," he said again.
Kallas said EU ministers had a "very in-depth discussion" on what concessions Europe could ask of Moscow and what should be the bloc's "red lines" in future negotiations.
"Limiting the Ukrainian military while Russia re-arms, which directly threatens European security. If there is a loophole for the Ukrainian military, then there must also be limits for Russia," he said.
He noted that ministers also discussed ways to increase global pressure on Russia, arguing that too many countries continued to do business with Moscow while benefiting from access to European markets and investment.
"Europe must use its influence more effectively in terms of trade, investment, market access, and partnerships," he said, stressing that the EU is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia.
Kallas also stressed that EU efforts must remain "complementary" to US efforts,
"We are not replacing the United States, but we are actually dealing with the problems they have not dealt with in these talks," he said.
Middle East
In addition to Ukraine, EU ministers discussed the situation in the Middle East, including tensions involving Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, Lebanon, Gaza, and the occupied West Bank.
Kallas warned the Strait of Hormuz remained "trapped in a dangerous grey zone between war and peace", while saying the EU could provide technical expertise for future nuclear negotiations involving Iran.
He said ministers discussed Lebanon, where a ceasefire "seems more nominal by the day." and warned a return to full-scale war was a "real possibility."
Kallas added that the possibility of trade restrictions related to the Israeli occupation, as well as potential sanctions against several Israeli ministers, were also discussed following the bad treatment of Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir against humanitarian fleet activists heading to Gaza, as some member states urged the bloc to take action.
The senior diplomat noted that the informal Gymnich format meeting was not intended for formal decision-making and the issue would be back on the agenda during the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg.
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