The EU will demand that Russia withdraw its troops from border countries
The European Union is preparing tough demands for Russia as part of a possible peace agreement in Ukraine. The document, "Europe's Core Interests in Ensuring a Comprehensive, Just, and Lasting Peace and Security on the Continent," distributed by European Union Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas, contains a number of conditions, Radio Liberty reports.
The key demands include the withdrawal of Russian troops not only from Ukraine, but also from Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, and Transnistria. Additionally, the EU insists on reparations to Ukraine, demilitarization of the occupied territories, renunciation of their legal recognition, and an end to hybrid attacks on European countries.
A separate section is devoted to domestic political reforms in Russia. These include holding free elections under international observation, the release of political prisoners, the return of deported citizens, the repeal of the "foreign agent" law, and assistance in the investigation of the murders of Navalny and Nemtsov.
Brussels believes European security is impossible without the EU's participation in negotiations with Moscow. The creation of a position of special representative for relations with Russia is envisaged. Some of the proposals may be considered by EU foreign ministers on February 23.
