“Russia poses an existential threat to our security today, tomorrow and for as long as we under-invest in our defence,” said Kallas, a former prime minister of Estonia.
“Many of our national intelligence agencies are giving us the information that Russia could test EU’s readiness to defend itself in three to five years. Who else are we listening to?”
“LANGUAGE OF STRENGTH”
Kallas said Europe’s first priority must be helping Ukraine’s fatigued forces fight back against the Kremlin’s invasion as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war nears the three year mark.
“There is absolutely no doubt that we can do more to help Ukraine. With our help, they can also win the war,” she said.
“The only language that Putin speaks is the language of strength.”
Trump has sparked fears in Europe that he could force Kyiv into painful concessions in search of a quick deal with Moscow to end the conflict.
“Aggression as a foreign policy tool can never, never pay off,” Kallas said, warning the United States that its key rival China was watching for any signs of weakness.
“Ukraine’s security against Russia is security for us all.”
She said she wanted “to look into doing even more” with over €200 billion (US$208 billion) of Russian state assets frozen in the bloc.
So far the EU and its international partners have used the interest on the money to give Kyiv a US$50 billion loan, but they have refused to touch the main assets.
Source: CNA
