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EU's Kallas Warns of Russian Threat, Agrees with Trump on Insufficient Defense Spending

Jan 22, 2025, 09:03 AM

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas has stated that U.S. President Donald Trump is correct in asserting that the EU does not spend enough on defense, noting that the EU spent an average of just 1.9% of GDP on defense last year. Kallas warned of a possible Russian attack starting from 2028 and emphasized that Russia poses an existential threat to the security of the EU. She urged EU countries to increase their defense spending, even if it requires cutting education and healthcare budgets, and called for joint investments in military capabilities. "The only language Putin understands is force," Kallas said, adding that while some consider her hawkish towards Russia, she is simply being realistic. EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius echoed this sentiment, stating, "We need to spend more, spend better, spend European in defence." Both officials stressed the importance of the United States remaining the EU's strongest ally in the face of rising threats.