UNITED NATIONS — The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to backing Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal aggression, while signaling increased humanitarian efforts and calls for enhanced global cooperation. Addressing the U.N. Security Council, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas delivered remarks that seemed indirectly targeted at U.S. policies under President Donald Trump.
Although Kallas did not mention the United States by name, her comments appeared aimed at counteracting President Trump’s critical stance towards Europe, his significant withdrawal of aid from impoverished and conflict-afflicted nations, and his administration’s hesitance to recognize Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, after discussions in Saudi Arabia, the U.S. confirmed the lifting of its suspension on military aid to Ukraine, with an openness from Kyiv for a ceasefire, contingent on Russia’s compliance.
Reflecting on the state of the world decades after the United Nations was established post-World War II, Kallas highlighted the increasing strains on its foundations. She referred to the erosion of the U.N. Charter’s principles, the preference for force over the rule of law, and the threats facing peace, human rights, and development commitments.
In a post-speech press conference, Kallas remarked, “The world is more dangerous now than it has ever been since the Cold War.” She reassured the U.N. that the EU remains a steadfast ally, advocating for the respect of every nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as stipulated by the U.N. Charter.
In doing so, Kallas underscored the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s defense against aggression and its commitment to helping Kyiv achieve a peace aligned with international principles, emphasizing that Russia must not succeed in its “colonial war.” The EU is also pledging nearly 2 billion euros in humanitarian aid, a pointed contrast to the Trump administration’s dismantling of U.S. aid initiatives.
Kallas further advocated for enhanced multilateral engagement, which she described as essential for addressing global issues effectively. When questioned about Trump’s assertion that the EU was established to undermine the U.S. in trade, Kallas, flanked by EU diplomats, described the EU as a “peace project” aimed at preventing wars among its members.
“Our global partnerships underscore our status as the reliable and predictable partner,” Kallas noted, expressing optimism about Europe’s growing geopolitical influence.
During the Security Council session, Russian criticism of the EU was voiced. Russia’s U.N. ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, accused the EU of bias against Russia and claimed it has become an aggressive anti-Russian entity that risks its own stability over an unwinnable confrontation.
In response, Kallas dismissed Nebenzia’s remarks as revisionist and stressed the necessity of combating misinformation and historic inaccuracies. She noted that countries fear Russia due to its aggressive actions towards them, and reiterated such concerns are justified.
