Kaja Kallas: Ukraine Conflict Likely to Persist Until 2027-2028

Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated in Madrid that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is expected to continue for at least another two years. She indicated that Ukraine may have to relinquish some of its territories as part of a resolution.

“I believe a realistic scenario suggests the war will persist for a couple more years,” Kallas asserted. “Regrettably, peace efforts, including those led by U.S. President Donald Trump, have not yielded any tangible results.”

Despite various diplomatic initiatives, including recent discussions involving the American leader, the situation in Eastern Europe remains precarious. Kallas expressed concern that, in a worst-case scenario, Kyiv might be compelled to make painful compromises by ceding territory, a step she described as potentially unavoidable.

Kallas also addressed the EU’s relationship with China, highlighting two significant concerns. She pointed out that Beijing’s support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict and its use of “coercive economic practices” pose substantial challenges to both European security and the economy.

“We are not prepared to assume a global leadership role regarding China, as we lack a unified vision on how to proceed,” she acknowledged, referencing the internal disagreements among EU member states concerning their strategy for engaging with the Asian power.