Ruptly
"European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas slammed Moscow proposal to appoint former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder as a mediator for Europe in potential talks on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, ahead of Monday's meeting in Brussels. "I think Gerhard Schroder has been the lobby- high-level lobbyist for Russian state-owned companies. So it's clear why Putin wants him to be the person," she alleged. "So that actually, you know, he would be sitting on both sides of the table." Many EU leaders have been asked by reporters why Kallas herself is not fulfilling that role - with media outlets suggesting she is perceived as too 'hawkish' on Russia. She also criticised Russia's three-day ceasefire with Ukraine over the weekend: "This ceasefire that Putin wanted was only very cynical to protect his parade, whereas they were actually attacking civilians in Ukraine," Kallas claimed. "Ukraine kept to the ceasefire, like, you know, previously offered ceasefires unconditionally, what Russia didn't really stand up to this," she continued. On Friday, US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine running from May 9 to 11, with a prisoner exchange of 1,000 per side. While Moscow and Kiev both supported the initiative, Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday accused Russia of attacking Ukrainian 'communities near the front'. Russia's Defence Ministry said it carried out retaliatory strikes after Kiev violated the truce. Kallas also anticipated an EU political decision to impose sanctions on 'violent settlers' in the West Bank, potentially including Israel and Hamas. These settlers are individuals or radical groups accused of attacking Palestinian civilians, destroying property, and expanding illegal outposts, which the EU views as a major hurdle to a two-state solution. Kallas also expressed Europe's vision of being "part of the security architecture of the Gulf," citing ongoing talks between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz blockade and regional tensions. "We can only support them, but we can't really agree on their behalf," she underlined. On Sunday, Iran reportedly sent its response to the latest US proposal for ending the war to mediator Pakistan. Trump responded by describing Tehran's representatives as 'totally unacceptable', signalling another impasse in efforts to reach a peace deal during the ceasefire."
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