New EU Chiefs Start Term with Kyiv Visit

The European Union’s newly appointed top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, and the head of the European Council, Antonio Costa, have made a symbolic visit to Kyiv on their first day in office to show their support for Ukraine.

“We are here to send a clear message that we stand with Ukraine and will continue to provide full support,” said Costa.

The new EU leadership is eager to reaffirm its commitment to Ukraine as it faces a critical period nearly three years into its conflict with Russia. There is growing uncertainty about future US support with Donald Trump set to take office in January, raising concerns that he might push Ukraine into making difficult concessions for a quick peace deal.

Adding to the tension, Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to target government buildings in Kyiv with his new Oreshnik missile, following its first use against Ukraine last month. This move is said to be in retaliation for Ukraine receiving approval to strike within Russia using US and British missiles, with Putin warning of counterattacks against the supplying nations.

As winter sets in, Russia has launched severe attacks on Ukraine’s power grid, and Ukraine’s forces are struggling to hold their ground against Moscow’s relentless offensive.

“The situation in Ukraine is extremely serious,” said Kallas, the former prime minister of Estonia. “But it’s also clear that Russia is paying a high price.”

The new EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, were scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. On Friday, Zelensky hinted at his stance on potential peace talks, calling for NATO to provide guaranteed protections to Ukrainian-controlled areas to “stop the hot stage of the war.” He suggested he might be willing to wait to reclaim other territories occupied by Russia.

“If we talk about a ceasefire, we need guarantees that Putin will not return,” Zelensky told Sky News.

Kallas emphasized that “the strongest security guarantee is NATO membership” and highlighted the need for discussions on securing peace if Ukraine decides to draw a line somewhere to prevent further aggression from Putin.

However, diplomats at NATO express doubt about the alliance granting Ukraine membership soon, citing concerns from several members about being drawn into the conflict with Russia. Kallas stated that the EU should not rule out any options, including the potential deployment of European troops to enforce a ceasefire.

Kallas also addressed the challenges of maintaining EU unity in supporting Ukraine, noting that it’s becoming increasingly difficult for the 27-nation bloc to find new ways to bolster support. “This war has been ongoing for a long time, and it is harder and harder to explain it to our own people,” she said. “But I see no alternative.”

Trump has questioned the continuation of extensive US aid for Ukraine and urged EU countries to contribute more. Kallas mentioned that the EU plans to use a “transactional language” to convince Trump that supporting Ukraine aligns with US interests. “Aid for Ukraine is not charity,” she said. “A victory for Russia would certainly embolden China, Iran, and North Korea.”

The new EU foreign policy chief reiterated that the bloc would strive to position Ukraine as strongly as possible for any future negotiations with Russia, whenever Ukraine decides the time is right.