The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaia Kallas has opposed the words of the new US President Donald Trump that Europe is lagging behind the US in terms of assistance to Ukraine, and insisted that the bloc must have a seat at the table when the time comes for peace talks, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
Trump said that Washington has contributed more to Ukraine than Europe, but Kallas stressed that Europe has provided the most assistance.
"By my calculations, we have given more than 134 billion euros to Ukraine. "That makes us the largest international donor," Kallas said in an interview with Reuters, when asked about the US president's comments yesterday that Europe should pay more.
Kallas said it was important that Europe be included in the talks to end the war sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Some EU officials have expressed concern that Trump might try to make a deal directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"Whatever negotiations or agreement there is between Russia and Ukraine, it also affects Europe. So 'nothing for Europe without Europe' is also the main thing here," she said.
Kallas expressed some optimism that the EU would reach an agreement to keep sanctions on Russia in place before they expire at the end of the month. Hungary has so far refused to support the renewal of sanctions, arguing that the EU should first consult with the Trump administration on the future of sanctions against Russia, Reuters notes.
"I see no reason now to weaken or lift sanctions", said Kallas. "I am optimistic because we have always achieved unity and maintained it, so I am sure it will work this time too," she stressed, commenting on previous discussions on sanctions.
Kallas said EU officials were exploring what else could be done with frozen Russian assets in the bloc. The EU is currently using the proceeds from the assets to help Ukraine, but has not used the assets themselves.