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EU representative opposes closing NATO access to Ukraine

University (according to VnExpress) February 28, 2025 10:10

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said NATO is the best security guarantee for Ukraine, accusing Mr Trump of opposing Kiev's admission because he trusted Moscow.

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European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas during a press conference at EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium on February 24.

"Why did we join NATO? It's because we're worried about Russia. The only thing that really works or the only security guarantee that works is the NATO umbrella," EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said in an interview with AFP. when visiting Washington on February 27.

Ms Kallas rejected Russia's explanation that Ukraine's potential NATO membership sparked the conflict three years ago, as well as US President Donald Trump's concurring comment that "that's probably why it all started".

"These allegations are completely untrue. They are just Russia's words and we should not believe them," she said. "My question is why should we give Russia what they want after what they have done?"

The EU high representative also stressed that Europe cannot support a final ceasefire agreement if Mr. Trump does not let them participate in the peace negotiation process.

“We need to be involved in those discussions. Otherwise we can’t provide anything,” Ms Kallas said.

Mr Trump has previously refused to provide US security guarantees to Ukraine, saying that was Europe's responsibility. He also said Ukraine should "forget about joining NATO".

The White House chief recently raised concerns in Europe when he spoke by phone with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and announced the start of the Ukraine conflict negotiation process without consulting his allies first. US and Russian delegations met twice in Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, but neither European allies nor Ukraine were represented.

President Trump said on February 26 that the EU was set up to “rip off” and “take advantage” of the United States and warned of imposing a 25% tariff on European imports. Ms Kallas described Mr Trump’s comments as “surprising” and said the two sides have long shared common values.

The EU representative said Europe "cannot fill the US gap" on foreign aid, but stressed the world expected the continent to do more.

"I feel we need to strengthen our geopolitical power. If America turns inward, Europe will turn outward," she said.

University (according to VnExpress)
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EU representative opposes closing NATO access to Ukraine