The European Union is drawing a firm red line when it comes to the war in Ukraine: Crimea belongs to Ukraine—full stop. That was the unwavering message from the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, in a recent interview with AFP on April 22.
Her comments come amid growing concerns over a new U.S.-backed peace proposal that could, shockingly, entertain the idea of recognizing Crimea as Russian territory as part of a deal to end the war.
But Kallas isn’t having it.
“Crimea is Ukraine,” she declared bluntly. “It means a lot for the ones who are occupied that others don’t recognize this as Russian.”
It’s a statement not just of geography, but of principle.
Russia forcibly annexed Crimea back in 2014, sending in troops and holding what the international community widely views as sham referendums to justify their takeover. The move was immediately condemned around the world as a violation of international law. And now, over a decade later, the idea that this land grab might be legitimized as part of a ceasefire deal is raising alarm bells across Europe.
“Then Russia clearly gets what they want,” Kallas warned, making it clear that rewarding Moscow’s aggression would set a dangerous precedent.
Kallas believes the focus should be on pressuring the Kremlin—not placating it.
“The U.S. has tools at its disposal to push back on Russia,” she said. “But they haven’t used them. And if they’re walking away from those tools now, then I have to ask—why?”
It’s a pointed question—and one that taps into broader European unease about being sidelined in negotiations that have such enormous consequences for the continent.
While Europe has largely been watching from the wings during U.S.-led talks between Ukraine and Russia, that changed slightly last week. On April 17, diplomatic conversations in Paris brought European leaders back to the table. There, U.S. representatives reportedly shared the details of their ceasefire plan. Ukraine is expected to respond during follow-up talks in London on April 23, where leaders from Ukraine, the U.K., France, and the U.S. will convene once again.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, for his part, has made his position crystal clear.
“There is nothing to talk about,” Zelensky said on April 22. “This violates our Constitution. This is our territory, the territory of the people of Ukraine.”
As the war drags on with no clear end in sight, the stakes around Crimea remain as high as ever. The EU is holding firm, warning that compromising on Crimea now could lead to a more dangerous world tomorrow—one where might makes right, and land can be stolen without consequence.
One thing is clear: for Ukraine, for Europe, and for anyone who values international law, Crimea is not up for negotiation.
