EU top diplomat unveils plan for Ukraine's defence with €40 billion proposal

European Union Foreign Policy Chief, Kaja Kallas, has unveiled a bold €40 billion proposal aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defence in its ongoing battle against Russian aggression. As Russia intensifies its efforts, Kallas stressed the importance of maintaining transatlantic unity, warning that any divide between the US and Europe would only strengthen Russia's position.

"Russia wants to see the US and Europe divided. Let’s not give them that," Kallas stated, emphasizing the importance of unity between the EU and the US in countering Russia's aggression in Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Kallas also addressed the ongoing diplomatic efforts, describing the current situation as "shuttle diplomacy." She stressed that while there are no direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine at this stage, Europe must be involved in future formal talks.

"There is no table where Russia and Ukraine are sitting right now. It’s shuttle diplomacy," she said. "For any deal to work, you need Europeans around the table to agree to the deal. Because the implementation of the deal needs to be in the hands of Europe."

Regarding the recent phone call between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, Kallas expressed skepticism about Putin's intentions. She noted that although Trump claimed military aid to Ukraine was not discussed, Putin insisted it was a topic of conversation. "I’d rather trust Trump on this than President Putin," Kallas remarked.

On the limited 30-day ceasefire that Putin agreed to, Kallas questioned its effectiveness, citing past violations of ceasefires by Russia. "In order for the ceasefire to work, there has to be deterrence," she explained. "Putin has shown this before, he’s not keeping to the ceasefires."

Kallas also unveiled a proposal to release €40 billion in new military support for Ukraine, which would include artillery, air defence systems, missiles, drones, and fighter jets. The plan, which could potentially receive backing from the UK and Norway, will be discussed at the EU summit on Thursday. "The stronger we are, the less likely war is," Kallas concluded, emphasizing the need for stronger defences and continued support for Ukraine.

By Vafa Guliyeva