٠٠:٠٣:٢٧European Union High Representative Josep Borrell described any attempt to 'force' Vladimir Putin to negotiate over Ukraine - as proposed by Volodymyr Zelensky - was a 'very distant prospect', speaking during the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday.
"There is a strategic logic in the strengthening Ukraine politically and military to force Putin to go to negotiations. Although, I have to confess that it looks a very distant prospect," he told reporters.
Borrell said that representatives also need to' find consensus' to 'unblock the European peace facility Ukraine assistant fund'.
The fund, worth around 6.6 billion euros, is made up of individual countries' contributions rather than coming from the EU budget and Hungary in particular has raised concerns about it being used for military assistance. PM Viktor Orban has been a strong proponent of peace talks between the sides rather than further arms deliveries.
The EU foreign policy chief also hit out at 'sanctions evasion', claiming that 'western-branded electronic elements' were appearing in Russian weapons, although did not provide any evidence for the assertion. Borrell also called for more sanctions on Moscow to stop Russia's 'shadow fleet' of oil tankers exporting around the world.
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly said that Russia should be 'forced' into talks, mentioning it during his European tour last week while touting his own 'Victory Plan' and at the UN Security Council last month.
Moscow has said that any plan would need to respect the 'realities' of the situation on the ground and has questioned whether Zelensky, whose presidential term expired earlier this year, has the authority to agree a deal. It also claims that sanctions imposed by the EU, US and others over the Ukraine conflict have more impact on those attempting to implement them than on Russia.
'Very distant prospect' - Borrell on Zelensky's call to 'force Putin' to negotiate over Ukraine
European Union High Representative Josep Borrell described any attempt to 'force' Vladimir Putin to negotiate over Ukraine - as proposed by Volodymyr Zelensky - was a 'very distant prospect', speaking during the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday.
"There is a strategic logic in the strengthening Ukraine politically and military to force Putin to go to negotiations. Although, I have to confess that it looks a very distant prospect," he told reporters.
Borrell said that representatives also need to' find consensus' to 'unblock the European peace facility Ukraine assistant fund'.
The fund, worth around 6.6 billion euros, is made up of individual countries' contributions rather than coming from the EU budget and Hungary in particular has raised concerns about it being used for military assistance. PM Viktor Orban has been a strong proponent of peace talks between the sides rather than further arms deliveries.
The EU foreign policy chief also hit out at 'sanctions evasion', claiming that 'western-branded electronic elements' were appearing in Russian weapons, although did not provide any evidence for the assertion. Borrell also called for more sanctions on Moscow to stop Russia's 'shadow fleet' of oil tankers exporting around the world.
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly said that Russia should be 'forced' into talks, mentioning it during his European tour last week while touting his own 'Victory Plan' and at the UN Security Council last month.
Moscow has said that any plan would need to respect the 'realities' of the situation on the ground and has questioned whether Zelensky, whose presidential term expired earlier this year, has the authority to agree a deal. It also claims that sanctions imposed by the EU, US and others over the Ukraine conflict have more impact on those attempting to implement them than on Russia.
European Union High Representative Josep Borrell described any attempt to 'force' Vladimir Putin to negotiate over Ukraine - as proposed by Volodymyr Zelensky - was a 'very distant prospect', speaking during the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday.
"There is a strategic logic in the strengthening Ukraine politically and military to force Putin to go to negotiations. Although, I have to confess that it looks a very distant prospect," he told reporters.
Borrell said that representatives also need to' find consensus' to 'unblock the European peace facility Ukraine assistant fund'.
The fund, worth around 6.6 billion euros, is made up of individual countries' contributions rather than coming from the EU budget and Hungary in particular has raised concerns about it being used for military assistance. PM Viktor Orban has been a strong proponent of peace talks between the sides rather than further arms deliveries.
The EU foreign policy chief also hit out at 'sanctions evasion', claiming that 'western-branded electronic elements' were appearing in Russian weapons, although did not provide any evidence for the assertion. Borrell also called for more sanctions on Moscow to stop Russia's 'shadow fleet' of oil tankers exporting around the world.
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly said that Russia should be 'forced' into talks, mentioning it during his European tour last week while touting his own 'Victory Plan' and at the UN Security Council last month.
Moscow has said that any plan would need to respect the 'realities' of the situation on the ground and has questioned whether Zelensky, whose presidential term expired earlier this year, has the authority to agree a deal. It also claims that sanctions imposed by the EU, US and others over the Ukraine conflict have more impact on those attempting to implement them than on Russia.