EU High Representative Kaja Kallas Briefs on Ukraine, Gaza, and Africa at Key Council Meeting

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas outlined a wide-ranging agenda as she arrived for the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, emphasizing the bloc’s continued focus on Ukraine, Middle East developments, and crises across Africa and the Indo-Pacific.

Speaking to reporters, Kallas said Ukraine remained at the forefront of discussions, highlighting efforts to restrict Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which she described as having a tangible impact on Moscow’s war financing. She reiterated Europe’s consistent support for a “long, lasting and just peace,” adding that any credible proposal must have the backing of both Ukrainians and Europeans.

Kallas underscored the need to maintain clarity about responsibility for the conflict. “There is one aggressor and one victim,” she said, condemning ongoing Russian airstrikes against civilian infrastructure. “Ninety-three percent of Russian targets have been civilian, schools, hospitals, apartment buildings, to kill and cause as much suffering as possible.”

Turning to the Middle East, Kallas noted that the EU would discuss adjustments to the mandates of its two missions following the latest UN Security Council resolution. These include EUBAM Rafah, focused on border management, and EUPOL COPPS, which trains Palestinian police forces.

Responding to questions, Kallas confirmed plans to train 3,000 Palestinian police officers as part of broader confidence-building and state-building efforts. She stressed that while the EU supports a two-state solution, Palestinians must “lead and own” the processes shaping their future.

The Council is also set to conduct a comprehensive review of the EU’s new Sahel strategy and the bloc’s future engagement with countries in the region.

On Sudan, Kallas confirmed the EU will introduce sanctions for the first time targeting individuals responsible for atrocities in the ongoing conflict. “We will also discuss what more we can do,” she added.

Ministers will meet with ASEAN foreign ministers over lunch to address shared global security challenges, followed by evening discussions with Indo-Pacific counterparts. An Indo-Pacific ministerial meeting is scheduled for the following day.

Addressing concerns raised in the European Parliament about justice for Palestinian civilians, Kallas said maintaining the fragile ceasefire and supporting the UN peace plan remained immediate priorities. However, she affirmed that accountability for all crimes committed will be essential for any “just and lasting peace.”

Kallas denied any knowledge of EU involvement in drafting proposals reportedly discussed between the United States and Russia. Asked whether former U.S. President Donald Trump could single-handedly end the war, she said: “To end this war, you need Ukrainians and Europeans to agree. Putin could end it immediately if he stopped bombing civilians, but we have not seen any concessions.”