Kallas says Trump is “very patient” with Putin

She made the remarks on the sidelines of the Bled Strategic Forum, according to Radio Liberty. Kallas argued that the only thing Putin takes seriously is pressure.

“Why he wanted to have this meeting in Alaska, was to really postpone the sanctions threat that was coming from United States. So, he really doesn't want the sanctions ... And if we look the effects on Russian economy, we see that the sanctions really work,” the official said.

Kallas welcomed the diplomatic efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting secondary sanctions on Russia’s trading partners, but noted that “if we had all been tougher on Putin, this war would already be over.”

“We have heard that President Trump is not a very patient man. He seems to be very patient with Putin, though,” Kallas emphasized.

She also called Putin’s demand for Ukraine to cede territory not taken by military force a trap. Kallas stressed that Russia has made no concessions “while everyone is talking about what Ukraine should give up.”

• As part of security guarantees, EU countries will send military instructors to Ukraine once a ceasefire with Russia is established.