EU’s Kallas Says European Security Interest Is for Russian Troops Not to Be in Georgia, Moldova
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the European security interest is for Russian troops not to be in countries like Georgia and Moldova, while discussing the concessions Brussels would demand from Moscow should peace negotiations begin over the war in Ukraine.
“If you think about the Russian troops in countries like Georgia, Moldova, that is also in European security interests that these troops are not there, and they are not meddling with elections in different countries,” HR/VP Kallas said in her press remarks upon arrival at the informal meeting of the bloc’s foreign affairs ministers in Lemesos, Cyprus, on May 28.
“It is a maximalist approach,” she added, “But so is Russia’s approach so far, representing maximalist claims.”
Kallas’ remarks followed a February report by RFE/RL, which cited a discussion paper on concessions Russia should make in Ukraine talks, titled “European Core Interests in Ensuring a Comprehensive, Just and Lasting Peace and the Continent’s Security.” The paper reportedly called for, among others, a “ban on Russian military presence and deployments in Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Armenia.”
Kallas confirmed in her remarks that she had put forward the paper in February and, as asked by a journalist about the “most important points,” said she listed “all of them” she could come up with, “starting with Russia actually respecting the international agreements that they have taken, the obligation not to attack their neighbours and respect their sovereignty.”
“But of course, there are other things, for example, mirroring the concessions that have been asked from Ukraine regarding military limitation, for example, that this should be also mirrored then to Russia if it is in this agreement. And of course, there are also questions that are of wider concern,” she added, before stating that it is in European interests for Russian troops not to be in Georgia.
Kallas reiterated the demand in her statement at the press conference after the meeting, stating, “There are broader security concerns. When we look at the presence of Russian troops in countries such as Georgia and Moldova, it is clearly in Europe’s interests that these forces are no longer stationed there.”
This demand appears to be part of broader security concerns, which Kallas raised after outlining core prerequisites, including an “unconditional ceasefire,” an end to Russian “sabotage operations, cyberattacks, election interference, and airspace violations across Europe,” “limitations” on Russia’s army, “no legal recognition of occupied Ukrainian territory,” and “accountability” measures.
Asked by a journalist whether there is broader EU consensus on demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from Georgia and Moldova, Kallas responded, “If those countries [Georgia and Moldova] are looking or trying to be on the European path, then that there are Russian troops stationed there – It’s a clear security risk, and it is in our interest that they are moved. So nobody was opposing that.”
Russian troops have been stationed for decades in Georgia’s occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia/Tskhinvali regions, as well as in Transdniester in Moldova, Armenia, and Belarus.
Asked to comment on Kallas’ remarks on the withdrawal of troops if talks on Ukraine begin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he does not want to discuss “idiotic statements.”
Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze was also asked by journalists to comment on Kallas’ statement. He said, “Such statements are good in themselves,” but added, “When it comes to protecting our national interests, this should be followed by other steps as well, and they should not do things that artificially create additional risks for the country in various directions.”
“Therefore, everyone should be consistent in defending our national interests. They should not make only statements on specific issues. They should show us through actions that the European bureaucracy stands with the Georgian people. Until now, the European bureaucracy has […] stood on the opposite side and opposed the interests of our people, the Georgian people, and Georgia’s national interests,” he said.
Last updated on May 28 at 23:40
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