European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, announced that she had a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio following the recent U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh, led by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Kallas emphasized that Russia will attempt to create divisions and urged not to fall into their trap. “Russia will try to divide us. Let us not fall into their traps. By working together with the U.S., we can achieve a fair and lasting peace — based on Ukraine’s terms,” Kallas stated.
The U.S. and Russia agreed on Tuesday to address the “contentious” issues in their relationship and began efforts to work towards ending the war in Ukraine, according to the U.S. Department of State. However, the process is still in the early stages.
Meanwhile, Ukraine criticized the talks, stating they were held “for Ukraine, without Ukraine.”
Marco Rubio, who led the U.S. delegation, mentioned that the two parties agreed to restore embassy staff and that, in addition to peace talks, the negotiation teams would promote economic cooperation. He also discussed the absence of Ukraine and EU officials in the negotiations.
Rubio clarified in a media conference that “no one has been left aside” and that the EU would eventually join the discussions, noting that the European Union has also sanctioned Moscow.
He expressed hope that the talks could lead to “very positive outcomes for the U.S., Europe, Ukraine, and the world,” but stressed that everything begins with the conclusion of the conflict.
