Kaya Callas of the European Union:
The Russians don't want anyone strong on the other side because they want to push their maximum demands, as they have always done.
Their tactics are very clear. First, you present threats and ultimatums.
You use power, and then you just wait because there will always be people in the West who will offer you something you didn't have before. And each time, you go further.
If you're negotiating with someone, you want the other side to be as weak as possible so you can get what you want. It is very clear.
But it is not up to them to say otherwise. If we give them that right, we're actually giving them leverage they shouldn't have.