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EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas addressed the European Parliament’s first post-summer plenary, focusing on support for Ukraine and the course of the war.
Kallas emphasized that the West is united on providing security guarantees to Ukraine and called on Russia to “leave the battlefield and come to the negotiating table.”
Kallas noted that international efforts to end the war have gained momentum in recent months, but Russia has responded with increased aggression. “Over the weekend, Russia launched the largest airstrike of this war so far,” she said.
Kallas warned, “Russian President Vladimir Putin has no interest in peace and will not halt the war unless compelled.”
She stressed that the EU and its member states have provided around €169 billion ($198.61 billion) in support to Ukraine since the war began, including over €63 billion in military aid.
“This year alone, member states will provide even more support—€25 billion. To date, 80% of our 2 million ammunition target has been delivered, and we aim for 100% by October,” Kallas added.
Kallas underscored that the West is united in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security. “The Volunteers Coalition table now has serious commitments,” she said. She also noted Russia’s threats against Western forces on the ground, calling them a direct challenge to European security.
Highlighting Ukraine’s progress toward EU membership, Kallas said, “It’s time to start negotiations for the first cluster of chapters.” While the EU decided to begin negotiations with Ukraine in December 2023 and held the first Intergovernmental Conference in June 2024, all 27 EU members must agree to open chapters, and Hungary has so far vetoed the process.
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