EU’s Kallas says US cannot negotiate for Europe on Russia sanctions
The EU's top diplomat also addressed fighting in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East and whether Washington's course could change after the midterms.
Key points
- EU High Representative Kaja Kallas gave an exclusive interview to France 24.
- She said the United States cannot negotiate on the EU's behalf over lifting Russia sanctions, according to the report's headline.
- Subjects raised in the talk included fighting in Ukraine, Middle Eastern affairs and whether Trump's diplomatic line might move.
- Kallas is a former Estonian prime minister who now leads EU foreign and security policy.
The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has said that the United States cannot negotiate on Europe’s behalf when it comes to lifting sanctions on Russia. The remarks were made in an exclusive interview with France 24, published on 11 November 2026.
According to France 24, the discussion also addressed fighting in Ukraine and developments in the Middle East. Kallas was asked whether Donald Trump’s approach to foreign affairs could shift once the American midterm votes are over.
Read also: Russia, Ukraine and US to resume trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi
What was said in the interview
The France 24 report confirms that Kallas spoke in her capacity as the bloc’s chief official for external relations and security. The position places her at the top of the EU’s foreign policy work.
According to the broadcaster, Kallas also stressed that the bloc remains a significant actor in world geopolitics. This is the broad message the broadcaster highlighted from the conversation.
The source text available for this article is limited to the programme summary and the headline. It does not include a full transcript, so the exact wording of her comments on sanctions, Ukraine and the Middle East is not confirmed here beyond what the headline and summary state.
Background on the speaker
- Kaja Kallas is a former prime minister of Estonia.
- She currently holds the bloc’s top post covering diplomacy and security.
- The interview was prepared by a France 24 team including Oihana Almandoz, Jonathan Walsh, Perrine Desplats and Isabelle Romero.
Her role places her at the centre of the EU’s dealings with partners outside Europe. That includes discussions on sanctions, which are decided and managed through the bloc’s collective processes.
Why the comments matter
The question of who speaks for Europe on Russia sanctions is important for the bloc’s unity. Sanctions imposed on Russia over the war in Ukraine are a central part of the EU’s policy, and any change to them would have wide effects.
The interview also touched on a possible change in US policy after the midterm elections. The source does not state what change, if any, is expected, so readers should treat that point as an open question rather than a confirmed development.
The Middle East was another topic in the interview. The source only lists it as a subject discussed, and it gives no further detail in the text available.
What is not yet clear
The available report does not show whether the US has made any formal move to lift Russia sanctions. It also does not give a timetable for any decision, or any response from Washington.
Further reporting, including the full interview or follow-up statements from EU or US officials, would be needed to confirm the details of the exchange and what it means for future policy.
Frequently asked questions
What did Kaja Kallas say about US sanctions on Russia?
According to the France 24 headline, Kallas said the United States cannot negotiate on the EUu0026#039;s behalf on lifting Russia sanctions. The full interview transcript is not included in the source text used for this article.
Who is Kaja Kallas?
Kaja Kallas is a former prime minister of Estonia. She now heads the EUu0026#039;s diplomatic and security portfolio.
What topics did the France 24 interview cover?
The interview touched on fighting in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, and whether Donald Trumpu0026#039;s foreign approach could shift after the US midterm votes.
Sources
- France 24: Exclusive: EU's Kallas says US 'can't negotiate on our behalf' on lifting Russia sanctions
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