EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called for "maximum pressure" on Russia to end its war in Ukraine, a day after a missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy that killed 34 people, according to officials.
"I think we have to put the pressure, the maximum pressure, on Russia to really end this war, because it takes two to want peace," Ms Kallas told reporters as she arrived at a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Luxembourg.
"All those who want the killing to stop should put the maximum pressure," she said.
The attack on civilians, who were returning from Palm Sunday religious services, has been widely condemned.
At this morning's meeting, there was further scepticism about US President Donald Trump's overtures to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Poland’s foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski said the attack on Sumy showed that Russia was mocking America’s good will.
Tánaiste Simon Harris is attending the meeting, where he said he would express Ireland's continued and "unwavering" support for Ukraine.
"This meeting comes at a crucial moment in terms of the trajectory of the war in Ukraine. We need to continue to demonstrate our unity and collective backing for Ukraine in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression.
Last night, European Council President Antonio Costa, who represents 27 EU leaders, described the attack in Sumy as criminal.
Foreign ministers were expected to be updated by Ms Kallas on recent meetings to forge a so-called coalition of the willing that would provide some kind of reassurance or peacekeeping force in Ukraine following a ceasefire.
However, following yesterday’s brutal attack on Sumy in the north east of Ukraine, a ceasefire appears increasingly elusive.
Russia fired two ballistic missiles at the centre of the city leaving dozens dead and scores injured. It was the worst Russian attack this year.
US envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg called it a horrifying attack. It came 48 hours after another of US President Donald Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff, held talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg.
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EU foreign ministers were expected to make progress on a plan to provide two million high calibre artillery shells for Ukraine, while a further military package is expected to provide air defence and the training of Ukrainian brigades.
Foreign ministers will also discuss ways to plug a dangerous funding gap for the Palestinian authority whose finances have been crippled by the Gaza war.
It is expected that ministers will also hold informal discussions on tariffs and trade.
