Kallas says 'Russians don't want me' as EU envoy for peace talks

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas has pitched herself as the European Union's designated envoy for the negotiations to end Russia's war on Ukraine, arguing it is incumbent upon her as foreign policy chief to take on the high-stakes job. I know that the Russians don't want me. But, you know, do we have a say who is representing Russia? No, we don't. And really, I mean, we have to have a strong team. They don't want anybody strong on the other side because they want to push through their maximum demands, like they have always done. Because, like the Foreign Minister Kramukho said, that their tactics is very clear. I mean, at first you present threats and ultimatums, you use force, and then you will just wait because there will always be people in the... The treaty of Lisbon leaves foreign policy coordination and execution in the hands of the High Representative, but also envisions a representational role for the President of the European Council, currently Antonio Costa. The European Commission, meanwhile, handles areas such as sanctions, financing and accession that are crucial for the diplomatic track.