EU supports Ukraine ceasefire; Russia urged to act for peace
The European Union has declared its full support for the ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. The EU's Head of Diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, stresses that it is now Russia's responsibility to demonstrate a willingness for peace.
Kaja Kallas conveyed the European Union's readiness to fully engage in the ceasefire process between Ukraine and Russia. "It is now for Russia to show its willingness to achieve peace," Kallas highlighted in her statement.
In a statement issued overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday, Kallas noted that the EU welcomed the results of the talks between Ukraine and the United States, which took place in Saudi Arabia. These talks included proposals for a temporary ceasefire and humanitarian actions.
EU support for peace talks
"The proposal of a ceasefire - if accepted by Russia - can be an important step in this direction," added Kallas, emphasising the EU's readiness to collaborate with Ukraine, the USA, and other partners to achieve lasting peace.
During the nine-hour talks in Jeddah, Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire in exchange for the restoration of intelligence sharing and military support by the USA. This is conditional on reciprocity from Russia.
The document also emphasised the need for humanitarian actions, such as the exchange of prisoners and the release of detained civilians. The USA and Ukraine also decided to appoint negotiation teams for further peace discussions.
Kallas reminded that the EU's goal is to support Ukraine in achieving a just and lasting peace, based on international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. "The EU is ready to play its full part, together with its partners, in the upcoming peace negotiations," she assured, thanking Saudi Arabia for organising the meeting.
The talks in Jeddah were attended by key representatives of Ukraine and the USA, including the head of the Ukrainian president's office, Andriy Yermak, and the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
The European Union, through its commitment, shows determination in striving for peace in Eastern Europe, but the key decisions now lie with Russia.
