EU Debates Demands for Russian Troop Withdrawal
By Messenger Staff
Friday, May 29, 2026
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas stated that the presence of Russian troops in Georgia and Moldova poses a clear risk to European security, noting that the bloc is discussing demands for their withdrawal.
Speaking in Cyprus after an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, Kallas responded to questions regarding a document of security demands she put forward for potential future negotiations with Russia. She explained that member states are actively discussing various requirements to counter Russian influence.
"When we are talking about the core security interests of Europe and when these countries are trying to be on the European path, the presence of Russian troops there is a clear security risk and it is in our interest for them to leave," Kallas said, adding that no member states oppose the initiative.
Moscow immediately rejected the initiative. When asked by Russian media to comment on the EU proposal regarding military restrictions and troop withdrawals from Georgia and Moldova, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov flatly dismissed the top diplomat's remarks.
"Listen, I do not discuss idiotic statements," Lavrov said.
Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed the significance of the statement, criticizing the European Union leadership and demanding concrete actions rather than symbolic rhetoric.
Kobakhidze asserted that Brussels has historically worked against Georgia's domestic stability, claiming that the European bureaucracy has been on the opposite side and opposed the national interests of the country for years. He urged European officials to remain consistent, warning that artificial diplomatic pressure could create unexpected security vulnerabilities.
"When it comes to protecting our national interests, other steps should follow and not something that artificially creates additional risks for the country in various directions," Kobakhidze said. "Therefore, everyone should be consistent in protecting our national interests. Statements should not be made only on specific topics. They should show us with actions that the European bureaucracy stands on the side of the Georgian people."
