Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Tuesday claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not genuinely interested in negotiating peace in Ukraine; instead, he is merely “pretending” to engage in talks.
President Donald Trump invited Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, to meet in Alaska on Friday, August 15, 2025, to seek a resolution to the war in Ukraine, which has now lasted nearly 18 months. This will be the first face-to-face meeting of the two presidents since the war began, and also following Trump’s re-election in 2024.
Notably, neither the European Union nor Ukraine’s leadership has been formally invited to this summit.
Why does Kallas believe Putin is faking peace efforts?
Speaking to CNBC, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy stated that Putin does not want Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to be present at his upcoming discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump. He believes this is because Zelensky’s presence might expose Putin’s real intentions, which are simply to delay sanctions and to take a photo with the US leader.
She also said that Kyiv had already agreed to a ceasefire months ago and alleged that Russia was “just playing games.”
Why does the EU insist on Ukraine’s participation in talks?
Earlier in the day, nearly all European Union nations issued statements praising Trump’s efforts on Ukraine, while emphasizing that Kyiv should be included in any peace negotiations and that genuine talks are only possible with a ceasefire or decreased hostilities.
Twenty-six European leaders issued a statement emphasising that Ukrainians should have the freedom to choose their future, and that diplomacy must safeguard both Ukrainian and European interests.
“Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities,”
The leaders stated, adding that
“we share the conviction that a diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests.”
“A just and lasting peace that brings stability and security must respect international law, including the principles of independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and that international borders must not be changed by force,”
They said.
