EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, upon arrival at the European Council on 18 June 2026, called for swift adoption of the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, linking it to Ukraine's deep strikes to mount pressure on Moscow. She also addressed the Middle East, noting the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran as a basis for ending the war and opening the Strait of Hormuz, while expressing concern over Lebanon and the stalled Gaza peace plan.
Kallas said the two-day summit would start with Ukraine, where Russia is not doing well and Ukraine is stronger on the battlefield. She stressed that the sanctions package goes hand in hand with Ukraine's deep strikes to pressure Russia into negotiations. On the Middle East, she highlighted the 60-day window for negotiating complex subjects like nuclear, where the EU has offered expertise from previous nuclear negotiations. Regarding Lebanon, she voiced concern and reaffirmed EU support for the Lebanese Armed Forces to ensure stability and disarm Hezbollah, noting that the UNIFIL mission is set to end this year and talks are ongoing for a separate mission with a different mandate.
In response to a question about potential lifting of Iran sanctions, Kallas said conditions are not yet met: nuclear-related sanctions could be discussed if a nuclear deal is reached, but human rights sanctions remain due to a severe human rights situation, and sanctions on freedom of navigation would be considered once conditions allow. Asked about Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar's statement that he would block communication with her, Kallas said she has had constructive but difficult discussions with Sa'ar, and the EU has been critical of violent settlers and settlement expansion in the West Bank. She declined to comment on specific allegations, urging focus on her public statements.
On the Strait of Hormuz, Kallas said the EU's Operation ASPIDES in the Red Sea has a record number of ships, and a Coalition of the Willing led by France and the UK is ready to help, with both coalitions able to work hand-in-hand. Regarding Syria, she said the EU is in constant contact with Syrian authorities to ensure rights of all groups are taken into account, and is working with regional actors to help Syria on a stable path, including constitutional reform and institutional building. On potential peace talks with Russia, Kallas reiterated that the EU cannot be a mediator as it is clearly on Ukraine's side, and she has updated a paper listing core EU interests to be raised with Russia.