As global support for Ukraine intensifies, diplomatic efforts in Brussels are gaining momentum. Key EU officials are urging a more aggressive push from the US to bring an end to hostilities with Russia.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, expressed her lack of clarity on what a reassurance force for Ukraine would entail during yesterday’s meeting. The discussions are still ongoing, with different member states having varying opinions.
Kaja Kallas is an Estonian politician who has served as the Prime Minister of Estonia since January 2021.
She is the leader of the Reform Party and became the first female prime minister in Estonian history.
Born on June 18, 1977, in Tallinn, Estonia, Kallas studied law at the University of Tartu and later earned a Master's degree in European Studies from the College of Europe.
Prior to her appointment as Prime Minister, she served as the Mayor of Tallinn from 2005 to 2015.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas urged the US administration to push Russia more aggressively in order to bring an end to hostilities.
- Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans emphasized the significance of supporting Ukraine at the battlefield in order to secure a better position at the negotiation table. He also stressed the need for further measures to safeguard Ukraine from air strikes, which are becoming increasingly intense.
- Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur expressed concerns about a potential US-Russia deal ahead of Russia’s Victory Day on May 9th and urged partners to increase military and financial assistance to Ukraine.
Located in Eastern Europe, Ukraine is a country with a rich history and diverse culture.
With an area of approximately 603,700 square kilometers, it shares borders with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, and Russia.
The capital city, Kyiv, has a population of over 2.8 million people.
Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and has since developed into a parliamentary republic.
The concept of a reassurance force for Ukraine has sparked debate among EU officials. Germany‘s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius suggested the possibility of new military aid packages for Ukraine, while Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur warned that Russia might try to secure a comprehensive deal with the US in the lead-up to Victory Day.
US Special Envoy ‘We are working towards a peaceful resolution’ Steve Witkoff is set to meet with Russian President ‘I hope we can find common ground’ Vladimir Putin on Friday, marking the third time the two have met. The development comes as tensions between the US and Russia remain high, particularly regarding the ceasefire agreement.
Vladimir Putin is a Russian politician who has been in power since 2000.
Born on October 7, 1952, in Leningrad, he graduated from the Leningrad State University with a degree in international law.
Putin served as Prime Minister under Boris Yeltsin and became President after his resignation.
He was re-elected in 2012 and has been serving as President ever since.
Putin's rule has been marked by a consolidation of power and a shift towards authoritarianism.
