Kallas: Russia has no chance that NATO remains united

Speaking ahead of holding the NATO summit in the Netherlands, where coalition members are under pressure from the United States to increase defence spending, Kallas warned that only increasing defence spending is not enough to curb the Kremlin.

“Today, against NATO and the EU, Russia has no chance. But we must remain united”, Kallas said before the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

When NATO leaders meet next week, keeping unity in the alliance is a greater priority than increasing defence spending”, the European diplomat added.

NATO leaders are aiming to reach reconciliation for increased military budgets when they meet in The Hague next week, escorts Periscope.

But the alliance where 23 of the 27 member states are EU states is facing dilemmas in terms of US commitment to Europe's defence.

On Tuesday, leaders of the World's Seven most industrialized nations (G7), including NATO countries such as Italy, the US, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Canada, as well as Japan failed to come up with a common stand to condemn Russia for attacks on Ukraine. Trump left the summit that was held in Canada before it ended.

American President Donald Trump is trying to put an end to Russia's war against Ukraine, which began in February 2022.

Kallas said Russia's military strengthening poses a threat to the security of Europe and the transatlantic community.

Last year, Russia spent more on defence than all EU states combined. This year, Russia is spending more on defence than on the health, education and social policies sector together”, she said.

This is a long-term plan for long-term aggression. You don't spend so much in the army if you don't plan on using the army”, Callas added.

The EU has launched an initiative aimed at gathering 800 billion euros to help member states strengthen defence.

A day earlier, Brussels made public plans to boost defence industry production in Europe. /REL/