EU Condemns Russia’s “Unacceptable” Ukraine Attacks

European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas. Credit: European Parliament

The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, on Friday strongly condemned Russia’s recent intensive barrages of drones and missiles on Ukraine, calling them “unacceptable.”

These attacks, which have been the largest since Moscow’s invasion over three years ago, have reportedly aimed to inflict maximum pain on civilians.

Speaking on the sidelines of a regional foreign ministers’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Kallas told AFP that Brussels is considering an 18th round of sanctions against Moscow.

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Additionally, negotiations are ongoing to implement an oil price cap, intended to “deprive Russia of the means to fund this war.”

Kallas emphasised her presence at the meeting was to “do outreach so that we can put more pressure together” on Russia.

Laos Denies Military Aid to Russia; EU Warns of Consequences

The top diplomat also addressed reports that Moscow planned to involve military personnel from Laos in its efforts in Ukraine.

After raising the issue with Laos’s top diplomat, Kallas stated she received assurances that Laos has “no intention or willingness” to send military help to Russia.

She then issued a clear warning, indicating that any such contribution to an “existential threat” would have “consequences for European aid to Laos,” directly impacting their cooperation.

Ukraine Attacks (News Central TV)
EU condemns Russia’s “unacceptable” Ukraine attacks.
Credit: CNN

Trade Tensions Loom as EU Seeks US Deal

Kallas’s remarks come a day after “frank” talks between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the Ukraine war, held on the sidelines of the ASEAN meeting.

Rubio stated that Lavrov shared new ideas for conflict resolution, which he promised to present to President Donald Trump, but he downplayed the likelihood of a significant breakthrough.

US tariffs also overshadowed the ASEAN gathering. When asked if she would meet Rubio to discuss Washington’s tariff plans for Brussels, Kallas noted they “didn’t have a chance to interact.”

She added that the EU’s trade team is “working very hard to come up with the solution and also to have agreements,” but “we are not there yet.”

The EU hopes to finalise a trade deal with Washington “in the coming days” to avoid the return of higher tariffs and a potential bitter trade war.

European diplomats told AFP this week that the EU expects Trump to maintain a 10-per cent baseline tariff on EU goods, with exemptions for critical sectors such as aeroplanes, spirits, and cosmetics.

Also present at the ASEAN meeting was Australia’s top diplomat, Penny Wong, who likewise condemned Russia’s latest attacks, asserting that “we want the conflict resolved on Ukrainian terms, and we want to see Russia reflect on the position it is taking, which is in breach of international law.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had urged allies on Thursday to quickly implement fresh sanctions against Moscow following this week’s overnight strikes.

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  • Chinomso Sunday

    Chinomso Sunday is a Digital Content Writer at News Central, with expertise in special reports, investigative journalism, editing, online reputation, and digital marketing strategy.

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