Kaja Kallas, speaking on February 15, 2026, at the Munich Security Conference, pointed out that Russia's military advances have been minimal since 2014, incurring approximately 1.2 million casualties. She expressed concern over Moscow's unrealistic demands in peace negotiations amid a backdrop of a weakened economy and a populace facing dire conditions.

Kallas remarked, "Today, Russia is broken, its economy is in shreds, it is disconnected from the European energy markets, and its own citizens are fleeing." She warned that despite these challenges, "the greatest threat Russia presents right now is that it gains more at the negotiation table than it has achieved on the battlefield."

In her commentary, Kallas argued that simply attending negotiations is inadequate; what truly matters is the understanding of what should be negotiated. She asserted that Russia's maximalist demands must not go unanswered with minimalist responses. For instance, she posited that if Ukraine's military capabilities are to be restricted, then Russia's should be as well. Furthermore, she insisted that Russia must commit to compensating Ukraine for wartime damages, returning deported Ukrainian children, and face accountability for war crimes as prerequisites for genuine peace talks.

Kallas expressed that the European Union does not currently perceive readiness for constructive negotiations from the Kremlin. Consequently, the EU will continue enhancing its military capacities to address the ongoing threats posed by Russia. Notable discussions from earlier in the month indicated that Kallas aims to mobilize EU member states to formulate demands for any future agreements regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

Her comments come at a pivotal time in Europe’s security landscape, emphasizing the urgent need for a strategic and robust response to Russian aggression and the complexities tied to negotiating peace.