Kaya Kalas rejects US criticism and sets conditions for peace with Russia
At the close of the Munich Security Conference, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas delivered firm messages regarding the future of transatlantic relations and the course of the war in Ukraine. Kallas, known for her outspoken stance towards Moscow, condemned what she called the US "aggression" against Europe, while emphasizing that any negotiations to end the conflict must include substantial concessions from the Russian side.
The debate over civilization and identity between Europe and America
The conference witnessed a clear divergence of views between the two sides of the Atlantic, with Callas's remarks serving as an indirect response to comments by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio had suggested that Europe must address mass migration to protect its "civilization," prompting a rebuttal from the European official who asserted that Europe "is not facing a civilizational annihilation," rejecting the pessimistic rhetoric adopted by some politicians in the United States.
Despite this divergence, Callas was keen to emphasize the depth of the strategic partnership, noting that “America and Europe are intertwined” historically and in the future, and that differences in viewpoints on some issues do not negate the common destiny that unites the two sides in facing global challenges.
There is no reward for Russian aggression
On the Ukrainian issue, Callas drew red lines for any potential political settlement. She emphasized that the greatest threat lies in allowing Russia to achieve at the negotiating table gains it failed to achieve on the battlefield. These statements come at a time of growing European concern that international pressure could force Kyiv to accept unfair compromises.
Callas stressed the need to curb Russian military capabilities, demanding that Moscow bear the full cost of the war's damage and that international accountability mechanisms be activated to ensure that perpetrators of war crimes do not escape punishment. She asserted that Russia today is "not a superpower," as it tries to portray itself, but rather a state that must abide by international law.
European defensive awakening
These statements come amid a strategic shift in Europe, driven by doubts about the continuity of the American security umbrella given the political instability in Washington. European officials in Munich unanimously agreed on the need to strengthen Europe's "strategic independence.".
Observers believe this approach does not signify a break from NATO, but rather the development of self-reliant European defense capabilities capable of deterrence, particularly in light of the challenges posed by aggressive Russian policies. French Minister of State for European Affairs, Benjamin Haddad, endorsed this approach, calling for a focus on building self-reliance instead of being preoccupied with analyzing political rhetoric emanating from Washington.
