Europe urged to avoid Russia's traps in Ukraine talks, prioritise ceasefire

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned on Friday that Europe must avoid Russian "traps" in Ukraine talks, insisting a ceasefire should be the priority over broader security negotiations. Her comments came after U.S. envoys said Europe would join future talks, though the Kremlin disputed this. Kallas said discussing Russia's security architecture demands would divert attention from the lack of a ceasefire. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen stressed Europe's inclusion was "self-explanatory," while leaders debated who should represent the bloc, with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin calling for a decision within weeks. Moscow has revived hardline demands to roll back NATO, and Ukraine seeks European backup amid concerns about U.S. leanings toward Russian views. Kallas dismissed Russian preferences on negotiators, noting Europe does not choose Russia's representatives either.