# EU foreign policy and security initiatives > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eu-foreign-policy-and-security-initiatives > Updated: 2026-09-06T23:20:00.000Z. Sources: 55. Developments: 4. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict have intensified following visits to Moscow and Kyiv by US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. In a telephone conversation, Donald Trump expressed a desire for a rapid end to the war and the restoration of US-Russia relations, a stance that Vladimir Putin reportedly supported. Amidst these discussions, the European Union continues its support for Ukraine. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that Europe cannot act as a neutral mediator and must ensure it receives reciprocal advantages in any future peace settlement. To sustain this support, the EU has approved 6.1 billion euros in additional military and financial aid, including air defense systems, and has allocated 8.47 billion euros through a lending program. Furthermore, the EU adopted a 21st package of sanctions targeting the Russian energy sector. On the mediation front, Russia has expressed support for India’s efforts to facilitate a peaceful solution, noting that New Delhi’s position aligns with Moscow’s desire for a peaceful settlement. This comes ahead of a scheduled meeting between President Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS Summit. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to present urgent requirements for defense, including Patriot missiles and drone technology, as the Pentagon warns the conflict may persist for years. ## Claims - Some member states believed the initiative was not the correct path at this time. (corroborated by 25 sources) - EU High Representative Kaja Kallas canceled the formation of an expert group for European defense policy. (corroborated by 25 sources) - The expert group was intended to propose ways to close gaps in Europe's conventional military capabilities. (corroborated by 25 sources) - The German and Italian governments positioned themselves against the expert group. (corroborated by 24 sources) - The German government prefers to rely on NATO planning processes for defense policy questions. (corroborated by 23 sources) - Germany attributes the drone attack attempt at Leipzig/Halle airport to Russia. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Europe and NATO will increase pressure on Russia following a drone attack attempt in Leipzig. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Some European governments may seek to continue the war in Ukraine to increase arms sales. (corroborated by 2 sources) - NATO has observed an increase in drones and missiles entering airspace along the eastern flank. (single source) - The EU is considering stricter visa rules for Russian travelers following the Leipzig incident. (single source) - The EU is preparing new travel bans and asset freezes for 1,600 individuals. (single source) - Russian forces are making steady progress toward the suburbs of Slaviansk, Kramatorsk, and Druzhkivka. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Kaja Kallas cancels EU defense expert group initiative EU High Representative Kaja Kallas canceled a planned expert group on European defense policy following opposition from Germany, Italy, and France, who prefer NATO-led planning processes. 35 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-defense-initiative-canceled-following-resistance-from-member-states ### 2026-09-04: Kaja Kallas opposes EU foreign service restructuring plans EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is resisting French and German proposals to restructure the EEAS, which could grant the European Commission more control over the bloc's external affairs. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kaja-kallas-opposes-eu-foreign-service-restructuring-plans ### 2026-09-01: Kaja Kallas announces EU mission for Lebanon and opposes EEAS reform EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced a new mission to train Lebanese forces and rejected French-German proposals to restructure the EU's diplomatic service, citing implementation issues instead. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kaja-kallas-announces-eu-mission-for-lebanon-and-opposes-eeas-reform ### 2026-09-01: EU and NATO increase pressure on Russia after Leipzig drone attack attempt EU and NATO vow to increase pressure on Russia following a drone attack attempt at Germany's Leipzig airport, sparking discussions on new sanctions and stricter visa rules for Russian citizens. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kaja-kallas-eu-hybrid-attacks-will-not-deter-ukraine-support --- Cite as: EU foreign policy and security initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eu-foreign-policy-and-security-initiatives