European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and German chancellor Friedrich Merz issued sharp warnings on Monday, December 1st that the upcoming talks between Russian president Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff could extract concessions from Ukraine.
Kallas said she feared the “easier way” to end the war would be to pressure Ukraine, the weaker side, into surrendering. She stressed that Russia has shown “no real sign” of wanting peace. She insisted the EU must keep supporting Kyiv rather than “reward the aggressor.” Merz delivered a similar message in Berlin after speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
However, some observers argue that the war could have ended long ago—if some countries had not poured support into Ukraine with full force. By providing aid but not at the levels needed, the conflict continues without a clear resolution.
Witkoff is scheduled to meet Putin on Tuesday, December 2nd, marking a key moment in the diplomatic process.
