Amid growing unease among European leaders regarding efforts to broker a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, the EU’s top diplomat has expressed skepticism about Vladimir Putin’s genuine desire for peace.

President Trump recently mentioned “very good talks with Russia” but offered no specifics on progress toward ending the conflict.

Some NATO members and long-standing U.S. allies are increasingly concerned by Trump’s remarks on Ukraine, viewing them as a potential concession in pursuit of improved relations with Moscow.

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas told Digital that while dialogue between the U.S. and Russia is necessary, “right now, Russia doesn’t really want peace.”

She added that Russia hopes to outwait the West, but this is not the case. Kallas believes increased economic and political pressure, along with stronger support for Ukraine on the battlefield, would improve Ukraine’s negotiating position.

This warning coincides with an anticipated minerals deal between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, which some hope will pave the way for future ceasefire discussions.

Trump has emphasized his ability to re-engage in talks with Russia and his success in persuading NATO members to increase their financial contributions to Ukraine’s security.

While NATO members significantly increased defense spending following Russia’s 2022 invasion, the shift in U.S. policy on Ukraine between the Trump and Biden administrations has unsettled some European nations.

Some allies, like the U.K., are trying to demonstrate shared values with the U.S., while others, such as are considering distancing themselves from Washington – a stance not taken by Berlin since World War II.

Speaking with Digital, Kallas also reminded the Trump administration of NATO’s importance, highlighting that Article 5 was invoked only once in the alliance’s 76-year history: after the 9/11 attacks on the U.S.

She emphasized the need for continued cooperation with the U.S. in international security, given their long-standing alliance.

Kallas, former Prime Minister of Estonia, highlighted the sacrifices of NATO troops in supporting the U.S. during the War on Terror.

She noted that Estonia suffered proportional casualties equivalent to those of the United States, emphasizing their support when the U.S. requested assistance.

Kallas expressed disappointment with messages suggesting a lack of concern for European allies, stressing the need for mutual support.

The EU chief diplomat has consistently urged the U.S. and European nations to prevent Putin from dividing the West over the issue of Ukraine.

Ultimately, she argued that U.S. must remain a committed partner with Europe in deterring Russian aggression, as Putin is not the sole threat to the alliance’s security.

Kallas was in Washington this week to discuss critical issues affecting EU-U.S. security cooperation with and lawmakers, although her meeting with Rubio was canceled.

The State Department did not provide a reason for the cancellation of the meeting with Rubio. However, Kallas expressed confidence in continued communication, citing positive discussions with Rubio at the Munich Security Conference earlier in the month.

Kallas stated there are many topics for discussion, including Ukraine, the Middle East, Africa, Iran, and China, where mutual cooperation is of interest for both transatlantic partners.