Kaya Kallas and Marco Rubio Discuss Ukraine, Defense, and Global Challenges in First Call
In a pivotal moment for transatlantic relations, the head of European diplomacy, Kaya Kallas, and the newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, held thier first telephone conversation today. The discussion centered on maintaining maximum pressure on Moscow, achieving lasting peace in Ukraine, and addressing global challenges, including the Middle East and China.
The call comes amid heightened tensions following repeated threats from US President donald trump regarding trade and defense policies. Trump recently stated that European countries would be taxed to ensure fairness to the US and urged them to increase their defense spending to 5% of their gross domestic product.
During the conversation, Kallas emphasized the importance of increasing European defense investment, a move that aligns with Trump’s demands. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of intensifying EU-US cooperation to address pressing global issues. “They have agreed that it is necessary to maintain maximum pressure on Moscow in order to achieve a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine,” reported AFP, citing a source familiar with the discussion.
The position of the new US governance on Ukraine remains unclear. While Washington has been Kyiv’s primary military supporter, Trump has repeatedly criticized this assistance. However, he recently threatened moscow with new sanctions if an agreement to end the conflict is not reached.
In early January, Kallas assured that the EU was prepared to step up military support for Ukraine if the US scaled back its involvement. She expressed confidence that Washington would continue to back Kyiv, despite the uncertainty.
Key Points from the Kallas-Rubio Call
| Topic | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Ukraine | Both leaders agreed on maintaining maximum pressure on Moscow for peace. |
| Defense Investment | Kallas discussed increasing European defense spending.|
| Global Cooperation | Focus on EU-US collaboration in the Middle East and addressing China. |
| Trump’s Policies | Call held against the backdrop of Trump’s trade and defense threats. |
This conversation marks a critical step in shaping the future of EU-US relations under the new administration. As the world watches, the commitment to unity and cooperation between these two powers will be essential in navigating the complex geopolitical landscape.
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