European leaders are uneasy about Trump’s push for a Ukraine-Russia peace deal. The EU’s top diplomat insists Putin "doesn’t really want peace."
Trump claimed on Thursday that his administration had "very good talks with Russia." But he didn’t say if any real progress had been made to end the war.
Some NATO allies are frustrated with Trump’s approach. They see his Ukraine stance as part of Washington’s effort to improve ties with Moscow.
"[The] U.S. is talking to Russia, and you have to establish contacts," said EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. "But right now, Russia doesn't really want peace."
Watch the latest video at foxnews.com"[Russia] … wants us to think that they can wait us out and that time is on their side," she continued. "If we increase the pressure … if we support Ukraine on the battlefield, then they would also be stronger behind the negotiation table."
Trump and Zelenskyy are set to finalize a minerals deal on Friday. Some hope this could lead to ceasefire talks.
Trump has boasted about his ability to negotiate with Russia. He also pushed NATO allies to increase defense spending. After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, NATO ramped up spending, but shifts in U.S. policy have left Europe uncertain.
The U.K. is trying to strengthen ties with Trump, emphasizing shared values. Meanwhile, Germany’s incoming leader seeks more independence from the U.S., a stance Berlin hasn’t taken since World War II.
Kallas reminded Trump’s team of NATO’s value. She pointed out that Article 5 was only invoked after 9/11. "We need to work together with the Americans," she said. "And we have been there for America."
She highlighted Estonia’s role in the War on Terror. "We, as Estonia, lost as many soldiers per capita as the United States," she said. "We were there for you when you asked for help."
"That’s why it’s painful to hear messages that we don’t care about our European allies," she added. "It should work both ways."
Kallas has warned against letting Putin divide the West over Ukraine. She stressed that Russia is not the only threat Europe and the U.S. must confront together.
This week, Kallas visited Washington to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and lawmakers. However, her meeting with Rubio was canceled.
The State Department didn’t explain why. But Kallas said she had positive talks with Rubio in Munich earlier this month and expects communication to continue.
"There’s a lot to discuss," she said. "From Ukraine to the Middle East, Africa, Iran, and China. There are many areas where we can work together with our transatlantic partners."