Camilla Jessen
EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas is urging stronger support for Ukraine
EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas has issued a warning: Europe must continue supporting Ukraine, or risk being forced into speaking Russian, The Guardian reported on June 18.
She stressed Ukraine’s role as “Europe’s first line of defense” and said that Russia only respects strength.
“On Ukraine, the European Union is doing its part here too, not least because Ukraine is Europe’s first line of defense. We know that Russia responds to strength and nothing else,” she said.
Kallas also noted the importance of the EU’s proposed 18th sanctions package, adding that “every sanction weakens Russia’s ability to fight this war.”
“We have to do more for Ukraine, for our own security too. To quote my friend NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: If we don’t help Ukraine further, we should all start learning Russian,” she added.
She pointed out that a strong Ukraine on the battlefield today means a stronger position at the negotiating table when— and if—Russia is ready to talk.
On June 17, European leaders condemned Russia’s overnight missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, which killed at least 28 civilians and injured over 150. They called for tougher action to hold Moscow accountable.