Kallas, Nauseda: Early talks with Russia are 'bad deal' for Ukraine

The EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, stated that prematurely pushing negotiations with Russia will not yield positive results for Ukraine.

She made this statement on December 19 during a European Council meeting in Brussels, according to Radio Liberty.

"Any push for negotiations too soon will actually be a bad deal for Ukraine," Kallas told reporters in Brussels. "All the other actors in the world are carefully watching how we act in this case and therefore we really need to be strong."

"Syria shows us that Russia is not invincible and we shouldn't underestimate our own power," she added

Meanwhile, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda remarked that he does not see Russia ready for negotiations and believes the EU should further support Ukraine.

"I hear rumors about possible peace negotiations. In my opinion, it is too early. Russia is currently on the offensive, advancing, and feels in a stronger position for any potential negotiations. This will not lead to a fair and lasting peace. If we attempt to do something in this situation, it will result in an unjust and unsustainable peace," the politician said.

• On December 16, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini stated that Ukraine "will be forced" to make territorial concessions to Russia.
• On December 17, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, stated that negotiations with Russia for a sustainable peace will begin only when the enemy is depleted of resources to continue its war against Ukraine.