EU's Kallas says bloc won't be neutral mediator in Ukraine war

The EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has stated that the European Union will not act as a neutral mediator between Ukraine and Russia. She argued that Russia must face the same military restrictions it demands from Ukraine, and that a ceasefire is a precondition for any peace talks. Kallas also blamed Russia for blocking the appointment of an EU peace envoy for Ukraine.

Russia reacted sharply. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova mocked Kallas's comments, and Russian officials said the US was having doubts about supporting Kyiv. The exchange highlights the deep rift between the EU and Russia over how to end the war.