Kallas: Russia's profit from the war in Iran enables it to prolong the war in Ukraine

(Patria) - The recent decision by the US to ease sanctions on Russian oil could not have come at a worse time for Ukraine, said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas yesterday, calling on Europe to introduce stricter measures against Moscow.

- We are living in very, very turbulent times and there is clearly a connection between Russia's illegal aggression against Ukraine and what is happening in the Middle East, Kallas said during an address to MEPs in the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs.

According to her, both conflicts are a product of the erosion of international law without accountability, whether judicial or political.

- This is not a European war. We did not start the war. We were not consulted and we do not know the real goals of this conflict. That is why member states do not want to be drawn into it, Kallas explained.

She pointed out that Russia is profiting from higher energy prices and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which allows it to prolong the war in Ukraine.

- The US decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil could not have come at a worse time for Ukraine. Europe must mitigate Russia's increased energy profits by intensifying its own sanctions pressure and breaking up Moscow's shadow fleet, Kallas said.

She criticized the delays in the EU regarding the finalization of the twentieth package of sanctions and aid loans to Ukraine, stating that the inability to advance these measures threatens the security of the European Union.

Speaking about normalizing relations with Russia, Kallas emphasized the need for a clear agenda.

- The first question is - what do we want to talk about with the Russians. Peace negotiations have stalled, and the other side is actually completely missing. Everyone is pressuring Ukraine, but no one is asking questions of Russia. If we continue like this, I'm sorry, it will get worse for us, Kallas points out.

She stressed that Europe must combine diplomatic efforts with strong economic measures, working with international partners to curb both the crisis in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East.

- What sets Europe apart from others are our values, and in the face of this brutal political force, Europe has no need to distinguish values from interests, because I truly feel that our values are our interests, Kallas concluded.