EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Thursday, May 28, that any military restrictions imposed on Kyiv as part of a future peace agreement with Russia should also apply to Moscow.
“If military limitations are asked from Ukraine, then this should also be mirrored to Russia if it is in this agreement,” Kallas said during a briefing.
Kallas said she had already presented proposals earlier this year outlining possible principles for future European security arrangements and peace negotiations involving Russia and Ukraine.
She argued that Russia must first respect international obligations, including commitments not to attack neighboring countries or violate their sovereignty.
“Russia’s approach so far represents maximalist claims,” Kallas said, echoing recent remarks from Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa, who said Russia’s broader objectives remain unchanged.
“Russia may be changing its tactics, but it hasn’t changed its strategy and its goals, and it won’t stop by itself,” she said.
Kallas raises broader European security concerns
Kallas also pointed to the presence of Russian troops in countries including Georgia and Moldova as a wider European security issue.
“If you think about the Russian troops in countries like Georgia, Moldova, that is also in European security interest that these troops are not there,” she said.
She also accused Moscow of interfering in elections in multiple countries.
According to Kallas, Russia’s demands in negotiations remain unrealistic and overly aggressive, requiring stronger and more balanced responses from Europe.
The comments come as Western officials continue discussing potential frameworks for future negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
European officials are increasingly concerned that Russia could expand the war beyond Ukraine, as threats toward NATO members escalate.
According to the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, Moscow has intensified rhetoric against Baltic states while continuing large-scale strikes on Kyiv and conducting military exercises, including nuclear drills with Belarus.
In April, Russia’s defense ministry also published addresses of companies in several European countries allegedly linked to Ukrainian drone production, warning of possible escalation if military support for Kyiv continues.
Officials also warn that Moscow could resort to another wave of mobilization or escalate the conflict to justify additional measures.
Kallas said such a situation could become “very dangerous” on Wednesday.
“There comes the point where they need to escalate in order to justify the mobilization,” she added.
Recent signs of expanding mobilization in Russia include a reported surge in “mobilization orders” issued to reservists, as well as the Kremlin’s proposal to write off loans for newly enlisted contract soldiers, according to Russian media reports.
Zelensky said in March that Russia plans to mobilize 400,000 more troops to replenish the losses.