EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called on the United States to leverage its influence to pressure Russia, accusing Moscow of undermining peace efforts by violating a recent truce in the Ukraine conflict. In an interview with AFP on April 21, 2025, Kallas criticized Russia’s tactics and warned against concessions, such as recognizing occupied Crimea as Russian territory, as peace talks falter.
Russia’s Truce Violation and Strategic Stalling
Kallas highlighted Russia’s failure to honor a 30-hour Easter truce announced over the weekend, describing it as a deliberate ploy to stall negotiations and test U.S. President Donald Trump’s patience. She stated:
“They didn’t keep to the truce. It’s clear that Russia is playing all these games and stalling and does not really want peace. They think that time is on their side, so they’re not really showing any good signs, or any good will.”
The Kremlin’s actions come amid heightened diplomatic efforts, with Trump recently threatening to abandon peace initiatives if Moscow and Kyiv fail to make swift progress. Despite this, Trump expressed optimism for a deal, promising economic incentives for both nations if a ceasefire is achieved.
US Tools to Pressure Russia
Kallas emphasized that the U.S. possesses untapped “tools” to pressure Russia, questioning why these measures have not been deployed to end the war. She expressed concern that Trump might disengage from the conflict without exhausting these options, potentially pursuing business dealings with Moscow instead. Kallas remarked:
“If they are now walking away without using the tools that they have actually in their hands, then my big question mark is, why? Why aren’t they using the tools to really end this war?”
While the U.S. has led peace efforts, the EU has been sidelined, despite imposing extensive sanctions on Russia. Kallas noted that the EU’s involvement will be crucial, given Moscow’s desire to lift these economic penalties as part of any deal.
Crimea and EU Sanctions
A key point of contention is the status of Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014. Kallas firmly opposed any U.S. consideration of recognizing Crimea as Russian territory, warning:
“Then Russia clearly gets what they want. Crimea is Ukraine.”
She stressed that the EU will never recognize Russia’s claim to the peninsula, underscoring its symbolic importance for Ukrainians under occupation. Additionally, Kallas advocated for maintaining EU sanctions until Russia demonstrates compliance with a peace agreement, stating, “We need to see credible proof, also from Russian side, that they are keeping to this agreement before we make the steps.”
Upcoming Diplomatic Efforts
Ukraine’s allies are scheduled to meet in London on April 23, 2025, to discuss U.S. proposals for ending the war. Kallas urged a unified approach, emphasizing that premature concessions or sanctions relief could undermine the peace process. The EU’s role will likely grow as negotiations progress, given its economic leverage over Russia.
Implications for Global Stability
The failure of Russia’s truce and the ongoing war highlight the challenges of achieving a lasting ceasefire. Kallas’s call for stronger U.S. action reflects broader European concerns about the conflict’s escalation and its impact on regional security. As the U.S. and EU navigate their roles, the outcome of these talks will shape the geopolitical landscape in 2025 and beyond.