Politico: Kaja Kallas faces EU backlash for her confrontational stance on Russia

Kaja Kallas, the head of EU diplomacy, is facing criticism from several European officials for her confrontational rhetoric towards Russia, according to a report by Politico.

The Estonian politician has drawn discontent since taking office at the end of 2024, especially after her visit to Kyiv, during which she posted on X that “The European Union wants Ukraine to win this war”. This statement raised concerns among EU officials, as it deviated from the EU's officially approved language on the matter. Some of them were reportedly "uncomfortable" with Kallas using such strong language so early in her tenure.

Kallas’ hardline stance has sparked opposition from countries like Spain and Italy, where officials do not view Moscow as the “priority threat” to the EU. An unnamed EU official stated, “If you listen to her, it seems that we are at war with Russia, which is not in line with the [official EU political] line.”

Another area of criticism revolves around Kallas’ leadership style. Some diplomats have expressed concerns that she is behaving as though she is the prime minister, rather than a foreign policy representative. Her critics argue that she often fails to consult with other EU leaders before pushing her foreign policy initiatives, potentially undermining broader support.

For example, after U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance remarked in February that Washington was more concerned with internal EU issues than Russia, Kallas circulated a two-page document to EU member states urging them to compensate for the expected reduction in US military aid to Ukraine.

In the document, Kallas requested member states to find at least 1.5 million artillery shells for Ukraine, with contributions proportional to each country's economy. However, some EU capitals viewed this as “coercion,” especially large countries that would be required to provide more resources. As a result, Kallas had to revise her plan, agreeing that the first step should be to allocate 5 billion euros for shell purchases, rather than an immediate supply of artillery.

Despite the criticism, Kallas has supporters within the EU, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who backs her policies. The European External Action Service (EEAS), which Kallas leads, has dismissed the criticism, emphasizing that the Estonian politician was chosen specifically “not to seek minimal compromises, but to work hard.” An EU diplomat commented, “Overall, we are very happy with her.”

Kallas’ tenure has been marked by challenges, including her assumption of the EEAS leadership at a time when proposals were being made to cut its staffing and budget. As a member of a small nation (Estonia, with a population of just 1.4 million, is smaller than Paris), and from a liberal party that has struggled in recent European elections, Kallas has found herself as an outsider in an EU increasingly dominated by conservative leaders. Figures like French President Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz are now setting the pace on defense policy.

By Tamilla Hasanova