EU prepares «plan B» in case Trump refuses to negotiate on Ukraine

Kaya Kallas. Photo: AP

The European Union is preparing a contingency plan to maintain sanctions against Russia if Donald Trump's administration decides to stop participating in negotiations on Ukraine.

This was stated by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, the Financial Times reports.

Kaja Kallas said that there are signs that the United States may withdraw from the conflict settlement process and not conclude an agreement with Russia. She added that Brussels is negotiating with Washington and other international partners to maintain the sanctions regime.

According to the newspaper, the US proposals for economic rapprochement with Moscow have caused concern in Europe. Some EU member states are even discussing the possibility of lifting sanctions if the US changes course and allows its companies to cooperate with Russia.

In July, the extension of the sanctions will require a unanimous decision by the EU, but Hungary is already threatening to veto it. Kaja Kallas noted that the EU has a plan B for this case, although Brussels continues to work to maintain unity.

She emphasised that Russia spends a significant part of its GDP on the army and is likely to use it again. Kaja Kallas also emphasised that no EU country recognises Crimea as part of Russia, because «Crimea is Ukraine».

Kaja Kallas added that Europe is ready to provide financial assistance to Ukraine if the US withdraws its troops, but acknowledged that military support will be more difficult to secure without the US. Brussels and European capitals continue to convince the US that the outcome of the war is important to their interests.

As a reminder, the European Union has extended sanctions against 2,400 Russian individuals and entities until 15 September in response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine. However, Hungary agreed to support this decision only in exchange for the removal of several individuals from the sanctions list.