Kallas names best security guarantee for Ukraine
Photo: Kaja Kallas (Getty Images)
NATO offers the best security guarantee for Ukraine, while Trump falls for a Russian narrative by closing the door, states Kaja Kallas in a comment to AFP.
"Why are we in NATO? It is because we are afraid of Russia. And the only thing that really works - the only security guarantee that works - is NATO's umbrella," she said.
During a visit to Washington, Kaja Kallas also warned that the Europeans would not be able to assist in an eventual ceasefire deal in Ukraine's three-year conflict with Russia unless they are included by Trump, who has reached out directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Kallas, a former prime minister of frontline state Estonia, said NATO countries have never attacked Russia which instead was afraid of democracy.
Trump, who broke Putin's isolation with a telephone call earlier this month, said Wednesday that Ukraine can forget about joining NATO in any settlement, explaining: "I think that's probably the reason the whole thing started."
"These accusations are totally untrue," Kallas said when asked about Trump's remarks.
"That is the Russian narrative that we should not buy."
"My question is, why we should give Russia what they want on top of what they have already done - attacking Ukraine, annexing territory, occupying territory, and now offering something on top of it," she said.
"Consider here in America that after 9/11 you would have sat down with Osama bin Laden and said, 'OK, what else do you want?' I mean, it's unimaginable."
Foreign policy remains a unifying factor for Ukraine, with 69% supporting EU entry and 67% backing NATO membership as counted by Rating Group, in late 2024.
