Kaja Kallas, the EU’s new top diplomat, along with the head of the European Council, Antonio Costa, has arrived in Kyiv as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with Ukraine on their inaugural day in office.
“We came to deliver a clear message: we are with Ukraine, and we will continue to provide our full backing,” stated Mr. Costa.
The new leadership team of the European Union aims to affirm its steadfast support for Kyiv during this critical juncture, nearly three years after Ukraine began its struggle against Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Concerns are growing regarding the future of US assistance once Donald Trump takes office in January, with worries that he may pressure Ukraine into making difficult concessions for a swift peace agreement.
He indicated that this action is a response to Ukraine receiving approval to target areas within Russia using US and British missiles, and he has warned of potential retaliation against the nations supplying these arms.
It is an honor to be in Kyiv alongside @eucopresident Costa and Commissioner Kos.
This marks my first visit since assuming office, and my message is unequivocal: the European Union desires Ukraine to triumph in this conflict.
We will do everything necessary to achieve that. pic.twitter.com/swv1ZVAlyL
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) December 1, 2024
As winter sets in, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine’s power infrastructure, while Ukraine’s weary forces are struggling against Moscow’s relentless advances on the frontlines.
“The situation in Ukraine is extremely dire,” remarked Ms. Kallas, a former prime minister of Estonia. “However, it’s evident that the costs are equally high for Russia.”
The incoming EU leaders, including the bloc’s senior officials and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, were scheduled to engage in discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
On Friday, Mr. Zelensky appeared to lay the groundwork for his stance in anticipation of any forthcoming peace negotiations.
He urged NATO to provide guaranteed protections for regions of Ukraine under Kyiv’s control to “halt the active fighting” and suggested he would be willing to delay efforts to reclaim other territories taken by Russia.
“If we are discussing a ceasefire, we need assurances that Putin will not return,” Mr. Zelensky conveyed to Sky News.
Ms. Kallas noted that “the strongest security guarantee is NATO membership.”
“We must certainly deliberate on this—if Ukraine decides to take a stand, how can we ensure peace so that Putin does not advance further?” she said.
Since the onset of the war, the EU has consistently stood in support of Ukraine.
From the first day of our mandate, we are reaffirming our steadfast backing for the Ukrainian populace.
Proud to be in Kyiv with @kajakallas and @Marta1Kos. pic.twitter.com/hlBxXCVVh7
— António Costa (@eucopresident) December 1, 2024
NATO diplomats suggest that the prospect of the alliance extending membership to Ukraine seems low, due to concerns from various member states about becoming embroiled in conflict with Russia.
Ms. Kallas remarked that the EU “shouldn’t exclude any options” when it comes to the possibility of sending European troops to help uphold any ceasefire.
“We should maintain strategic ambiguity regarding this,” she commented.
Mr. Trump has expressed skepticism about the continuation of the US’s substantial aid for Ukraine, urging European nations to increase their contributions.
Ms. Kallas stated that the EU would adopt a “transactional language” aimed at persuading Mr. Trump that supporting Ukraine is in the best interest of the US.
“Aid for Ukraine is not a charitable act,” she asserted. “A victory for Russia certainly emboldens nations like China, Iran, and North Korea.”
The new EU foreign policy chief emphasized that the bloc would persist in ensuring Ukraine is positioned as strongly as possible—if and when it decides the moment is right to enter negotiations with Russia.
However, she acknowledged that it is becoming “increasingly difficult” for the 27-member bloc to find common ground on new strategies to escalate support for Ukraine.
“This war has been persistent for quite some time, and it is growing harder to communicate this to our citizens,” she explained. “Nevertheless, I see no alternative.”
