If Europe doesn’t help Ukraine, it’s time to learn Russian: Kaljulaid addresses the European Parliament
Amid increasing threats from Russia to the stability and security of the European Union, EU Foreign Policy chief Kaja Kallas made a bold statement at the European Parliament session. She emphasized that Europe should step up support for Ukraine, asserting that only strengthening Ukraine's statehood will contribute to the overall stability of the region and reduce potential risks for EU countries. The European diplomat also highlighted that efforts must be intensified, as Russia has already transformed into a direct and serious threat to Europe's security, and assured that this issue is at the core of European policy. "We must do everything possible to support Ukraine. This is not only a moral obligation or an act of solidarity but also a strategic measure for our own security," Kallas stated. She added, "If we fail to actively help Ukraine, as my NATO Secretary General colleague Mark Rutte humorously pointed out, we may have to learn Russian," alluding to a possible escalation of the conflict or a change in the linguistic landscape of Europe. The head of European diplomacy called on European countries to demonstrate greater resolve and speed in providing military, financial, and humanitarian support to Ukraine. According to her, the stronger the Ukrainian army is today, the more likely it is to withstand and win in future negotiations when Russia is finally ready to sit at the negotiating table. "The sooner we support Ukraine and strengthen its defense, the more likely it is that this country can become a true equal participant in peace talks," Kallas noted. She also addressed the current security situation, listing a series of aggressive actions by Russia that threaten regional stability. These include violations of neighboring airspace, military exercises near EU borders, attacks on infrastructure, and recruiting criminals for sabotage and diversion activities. "Last year, Russia spent more on defense than all EU countries combined. This year, spending has risen even further – more money is being spent on defense than on healthcare, education, and social programs combined. This is a clear signal of a long-term plan of destructive and aggressive policies," Kallas emphasized. The diplomat called for urgent action to reform European military expenditures. She stressed that the EU and NATO must intensify efforts to reach the target defense spending of 5% of GDP per country, which is necessary to enhance the continent's defense capabilities. "The time to act is now. We must be prepared for any challenges and allocate the necessary financial resources to strengthen our defense potential," Kallas underscored. Background to this statement comes from intelligence reports warning that Russia could use any possible ceasefire in Ukraine to accumulate resources. Recently, concerns have grown that conditions for a long-term war with NATO are developing more rapidly, as Moscow consolidates its positions and boosts military capacity. Notably, a recent speech by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte suggests that a stable ceasefire could give Russia time to amass weapons, which analysts estimate might increase risks for the entire Aумp;ll-bodied strategic community, including NATO. Experts and officials warn that in five years, Russia may be capable of initiating a new war with the Alliance, which questions Europe’s security stability and demands decisive measures to strengthen collective defense. Thus, Kallas’s speech once again highlights the urgent need to intensify efforts to support Ukraine and bolster the European Union’s defenses. She stresses that ignoring this issue could have severe consequences for European security and might lead countries to learn Russian, which would be a worse scenario for the continent. Therefore, the time to act is now.