EU’s Foreign Affairs Chief and Former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has disputed US President Donald Trump’s claim that the EU has fallen behind the US in providing aid to Ukraine. Kallas also emphasized the importance of the EU having a seat at the table during peace talks to resolve the conflict.
Trump had claimed that the US has provided more aid to Ukraine than the EU. “I think the European Union should pay a lot more than they’re paying now. We’re in for 200 billion dollars more than the European Union” he said.
According to Kallas, in her calculation, the EU has provided more than 134 billion euros in aid to Ukraine, making the EU the largest international donor.
Moreover, Kallas stressed the need for the EU’s involvement in peace talks to end the war. Some EU officials have expressed concern that Trump may try to negotiate a deal directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, bypassing the EU. “Regardless of any agreements or negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, this also concerns Europe” Kallas emphasized, adding, “Nothing about Europe without Europe.