Kallas ahead of EU meeting in Cyprus: "Russia must be forced to negotiating table, Iran should be sanctioned"

She told journalists ahead of the start of the meeting that the main topic would be how to help Ukraine and how to make defence industries cooperate.

According to her, everything must be done to ensure that Russia and Ukraine talk to each other, because in the end they must reach an agreement, but key European interests should also be kept in mind, as there are issues of concern when it comes to easing sanctions and unfreezing assets, and for that there must also be respect for certain key European security interests.

She said that a ceasefire should come before the actual negotiations.

“At the same time, we also see some movements within Russia that show they are not satisfied with the continuation of this war. Therefore, we must put more pressure on them, and also increase our support for Ukraine,” Kallas said.

She emphasized that the meeting would also focus on the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the region does not need escalation, but rather that the parties should sit down at the negotiating table and reach an agreement.

“Of course, we will also talk about our ASPIDES operation and what more we can do with the ASPIDES operation in the region. And by the way, today will be the first time that sanctions will be applied to Iran for freedom of navigation,” she said.

She added that Iran and the United States must reach an agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz, and that after a ceasefire the EU could help.

“We are in contact with both sides to really convey the message that a ceasefire is very important. I mean, stopping this war immediately, opening the Strait of Hormuz, and then using the time for longer discussions when it comes to more difficult topics such as nuclear weapons, but also other critical issues that exist,” she concluded.