EU’s Kallas Warns Against U.S. Isolationism, Calls for Continued Support for Ukraine

BRUSSELS – Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s incoming foreign policy chief, urged against U.S. isolationism and stressed the need for ongoing support for Ukraine during her confirmation hearing on Tuesday. Kallas, a former Estonian prime minister, emphasized that isolationism has historically not served American interests well, indirectly cautioning U.S. President-elect Donald Trump against reducing support for Ukraine.

Kallas highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s policy on Ukraine, noting that “nobody yet knows” his exact approach to the ongoing conflict triggered by Russia’s 2022 invasion. She responded to remarks from European lawmakers about Trump’s potential shift in policy and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance’s comments about possible concessions on Ukrainian territory, saying, “Isolationism has never worked well for America.”

Kallas argued that concerns about China should motivate the U.S. to remain engaged in Europe, emphasizing that China’s support has enabled Russia to prosecute the war so aggressively. She stressed that “if America is worried about China, they should first be worried about Russia.”

As Europe prepares for a potential reduction in U.S. aid to Kyiv, Kallas advocated for linking Russia’s actions with broader global security concerns involving China, Iran, and North Korea. “If aggression pays off somewhere, it serves as an invitation to use it elsewhere – that is our worry,” she said, emphasizing the ripple effect a Russian victory could have worldwide.

Kallas, known for her strong support for Ukraine, called on Europe to step up its defense production and capabilities. However, she maintained that NATO should remain the principal defense mechanism for Europe, with the EU complementing NATO’s role by bolstering arms production and defense resources.

“I don’t think the European Union needs separate military powers,” she stated, emphasizing synergy between NATO and the EU to ensure “military plans are prepared by NATO, while the EU focuses on meeting those plans with the necessary ammunition and capabilities.”