Kallas warns Putin cannot be trusted, urges strong security guarantees for Ukraine
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas (photo: Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot be trusted. Therefore, only reliable security guarantees for Ukraine will ensure deterring Russia from a potential future attack, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stated.
According to her, the unity of EU leaders at today's virtual summit was evident.
Kallas noted that all EU leaders are committed to a strong peace that protects the vital security interests of both Ukraine and Europe.
"Putin cannot be trusted to honour any promise or commitment. Therefore, security guarantees must be strong and credible enough to deter Russia from re-grouping and re-attacking," she emphasized.
The EU's chief diplomat promised that the EU will contribute to security guarantees for Ukraine, "notably by the training of Ukrainian soldiers and strengthening Ukraine's armed forces and defense industry."
"The EU will also continue targeting Russia's war economy. The next sanctions package against Moscow should be ready by next month. I have placed these topics at the top of our agenda for discussions next week among EU foreign and defense ministers," Kallas added.
Security guarantees for Ukraine
One of the main topics of the talks at the White House on August 18 was security guarantees for Ukraine.
The discussions were joined by the presidents of Ukraine, the United States, France, and Finland, the prime ministers of the United Kingdom and Italy, the chancellor of Germany, as well as the head of the European Commission and the NATO Secretary General.
The allies want to provide Ukraine with security guarantees similar to NATO's Article 5, but outside the framework of the Alliance itself.
As stated by US President Donald Trump, the United States will join the security guarantees for Ukraine, but the main role will be played by European countries. At the same time, he ruled out the deployment of American troops on Ukrainian territory.
Meanwhile, on the eve, the Coalition of the Willing announced its readiness to send deterrence forces to Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the details of the guarantees are planned to be agreed upon within 10 days.
In turn, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the next two weeks will be critically important for determining Ukraine's security guarantees. European and other partners are ready for operations not on the front line.
