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Kallas: NATO membership as the cheapest security guarantee for Ukraine

by AI | 16.Feb 2025 | Europe in brief AI

Kallas stressed that Russian leader Vladimir Putin “does not really want peace” and therefore it is crucial now that he begins to want it.

Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. (Photo: Fabian Sommer/dpa)

The head of EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, said that NATO membership would be the strongest and cheapest security guarantee for Ukraine because it “really deters Russia.” Since this option is not on the table, the question must be answered whether there is a willingness to send troops there, she added.

“The security guarantee that is the strongest and really works is NATO membership. It is actually also the cheapest security guarantee because it really deters Russia,” emphasized Kallas on Friday during the Munich Security Conference.

“Since this option is not on the table, as has been said, the 27 countries, or however many countries in the EU support Ukraine, have to answer the question of what we really mean when we talk about security guarantees,” said the high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and defense. “Are we ready to send our troops there? Are we ready to provide capabilities and ammunition, and if so, in what quantity, to actually prevent any future conflicts and wars?” she asked.

Kallas also referred to a speech at the same conference by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who stated that the greatest threat to Europe does not come from Russia or China, but from within, as Europe has turned away from some of the most fundamental values.

“When we meet in person, we have very good and honest discussions,” noted the head of EU diplomacy. “The USA is a great ally, and they also say that they remain our great ally. When we listen to this speech, it seems they are trying to pick a fight with us, but we don’t want to fight with our friends; we have other threats coming from outside,” she said.

Kallas stressed that the Russian leader Vladimir Putin “really does not want peace,” and therefore it is crucial now for him to start wanting it.

When asked in the context of remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who after a conversation with Putin said that the Russian leader wants peace talks, she pointed to the Russian attacks carried out last night on the inactive nuclear power plant in Chernobyl. “If Putin really wanted peace, he would stop bombing Ukraine,” Kallas said. (14.02.2025)