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The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, has called on the United States to provide direct, free military assistance to Ukraine, on a par with the European Union. She made this statement on 15 July in Brussels after a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.
“We welcome President Trump’s announcement to send more weapons to Ukraine, although we would like to see the US share the burden as well,” Callas said.
According to her, when the US administration promises to provide weapons but expects the EU or NATO countries to pay for them, this cannot be considered real help.
“If we pay for these weapons, it is our support. So, this is Europe’s support, and we are doing everything we can to help Ukraine. The call is for everyone to do the same,” she said.
Kallas stressed the need for a fair distribution of obligations and costs between allies.
“If you promise to give weapons, but say that someone else has to pay for them, you are not actually giving them,” she concluded.
The day before, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced a new initiative: The United States will sell weapons to NATO allies for onward transfer to Ukraine. President Donald Trump also promised to provide missiles for the Patriot system, saying that “Putin says nice things, but in the evening he bombs everyone”.
