EU's Kallas Warns Europe Underprepared as Russia Skeptics Gain Ground
EU's Kallas warns Europe may fail to deter rising threats as Russia-skeptic parties gain ground, and says Russia shows no real interest in peace.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has voiced concern that Europe may not be doing enough to deter growing security threats, as political forces skeptical of confronting Russia gain traction across the continent.
Speaking in Vilnius on Monday alongside Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius, Kallas pointed to recent attacks in Leipzig and a broader pattern of sabotage acts as evidence that threats are moving closer to Europe's borders.
Her remarks come after a strong showing by Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in a state election. Kallas said parties that argue Europe should not involve itself in such threats are gaining ground, a trend she described as worrying.
"I'm just afraid that we might wake up in a situation where we haven't done enough to be able to deter the threats and defend ourselves," she told reporters, while acknowledging that it remains up to German voters to decide their country's path.
On Ukraine, Kallas said Russia has yet to demonstrate genuine interest in peace, noting that Moscow has not offered a single concession. She also clarified that the European Union cannot act as a neutral mediator between Russia and Ukraine, given the bloc's firm support for Kyiv.
"We have been always on the side of Ukraine, so we are not neutral in this situation," she said, adding that any future peace agreement must not involve Europe giving ground without receiving something in return.