EU’s Kallas says “there can be no return to business as usual with Russia”, urges stronger EU defence

Speaking during a joint press conference at a Nordic-Baltic Eight Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Kuressaare, Estonia, EU High Representative and Vice-President Kaja Kallas set out the EU’s position on Ukraine, Russia, and long-term European security, stating that “there can be no return to business as usual with Russia, even after Moscow ends this war in Ukraine.”

Kallas said “Ukraine has pushed back Russia into stalemate”, adding that the war has “revolutionised modern warfare.” She also stated that “Russia is losing a record number of soldiers”, while EU financial and sanctions support aims to ensure Ukraine can “hold its ground until Putin understands his war leads to nowhere.”

She warned that “Russia is gearing up its military for a long-term confrontation with the West”, stressing that deterrence depends on credibility and calling for strengthened European defence readiness through higher spending, capability development, and increased production capacity.

Beyond Ukraine and Russia, Kallas also addressed wider global security pressures, including instability in the Middle East, energy market disruption, and maritime security concerns.

ℹ️ EC AV Portal