EU Calls for Stronger Pressure on Russia at Brussels Summit

European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas said the EU must intensify pressure on Russia to push it toward genuine negotiations, as leaders gathered in Brussels on December 18 for a European Council meeting expected to address a wide range of complex issues, led by the war in Ukraine.

Speaking upon arrival, Kallas said there is a strong international push for peace, but stressed that it remains one-sided, noting that Russia has shown no serious willingness to negotiate and even rejected a proposed Christmas ceasefire. She said the EU must move Russia from what she described as “pretending to negotiate” to engaging in real talks, adding that sanctions and financial pressure remain essential tools.

Kallas highlighted discussions on a proposed reparations loan for Ukraine, describing it as the most viable option currently on the table. She said the initiative is built on the principle that the party causing damage must bear responsibility for it, and emphasized that making the loan a European legislative proposal would distribute legal and financial risks across the EU rather than leaving individual states exposed. She expressed optimism that concerns raised by Belgium had been addressed and said unity was critical, warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin is counting on European failure.

The High Representative also pointed to broader discussions on European competitiveness, stressing the need to strengthen the EU’s economic power through diversified trade partnerships. She underscored the importance of the Mercosur agreement as a way to protect European companies and supply chains in a global environment where trade is increasingly being used as a political weapon.

On security guarantees for Ukraine, Kallas said progress was being made but stressed that Kyiv needs concrete and credible assurances, including clarity on military support and capabilities in the event of future attacks. She said U.S. involvement remains essential for any effective security framework.

Kallas rejected claims that frozen Russian assets could undermine peace efforts, arguing that the real threat to peace is Russia’s continued military aggression. She said the reparations loan would help secure funding for Ukraine over the next two years and send a strong signal that Europe will not be outlasted.

She also addressed EU enlargement, describing the current moment as pivotal for strengthening Europe’s geopolitical role, particularly with Western Balkan countries. On Georgia, Kallas said the EU stands with the Georgian people but criticized the government for moving away from European values, stating that accession progress cannot continue under the current trajectory.

Kallas concluded by saying EU leaders would remain in discussions for as long as necessary to reach agreement, underlining that unity among the bloc’s 27 democracies remains Europe’s greatest strength.