Kallas calls for Russian withdrawal from Belarus and Transnistria

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has presented member states with a proposal that would significantly tighten conditions on Russia in the context of ending the war in Ukraine.

According to RFE/RL, the document calls for the withdrawal of Russian troops not only from Ukraine but also from Belarus, Georgia, Armenia and Transnistria. Moscow would also be required to reduce its troop numbers, pay reparations and permit democratisation measures, including free elections under international supervision.

The ambitious, though widely regarded as unrealistic, proposal assumes that if Kyiv agrees to limit its armed forces, Russia must do the same. The occupied territories would not be internationally recognised and would remain demilitarised.

The document also addresses broader European security, calling for an end to disinformation, cyberattacks and alleged interference in elections.

Some diplomats describe the demands as maximalist, but say they are a response to the Kremlin’s hard line. EU foreign ministers are to discuss the proposal in Brussels.

(pir)