EU High Representative Kaja Kallas is convinced that the bloc must clearly define and codify its key requirements for Russia before the start of any peace negotiations.
As reported by The Guardian, the EU's top diplomat expressed skepticism regarding the appointment of a specific EU special envoy for talks to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In her view, the current priority should not be the search for a negotiator, but rather the formation of a rigorous bargaining position.
"It is more important than having a seat at the table to know what to ask for when you are sitting there," Kallas emphasized.
She revealed that she has already proposed that EU member states approve a concrete mandate listing demands to be presented to the Kremlin. This document is intended to serve as an instruction for anyone who might communicate with the Russians in the future, whether in an individual or bilateral capacity.
Kallas reinforced her logic with a piece of folk wisdom: "In Estonia, we have a saying: if you demand a lot, you get little; if you demand little, you get nothing; and if you demand nothing, you pay on top."