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European Union

EU Foreign Affairs Chief Urges US to Share Burden in Arming Ukraine

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas expressed disappointment over the failure to approve the 18th sanctions package against Russia, citing the EU's commitment to starving Russia of the means to wage war. Kallas emphasized the importance of implementing sanctions to support Ukraine, while also highlighting the US's role in providing military aid. She stressed that the EU will continue to implement sanctions, but the ball is now in Slovakia's court, as the country has been blocking the latest sanctions package due to concerns over a separate EU proposal to phase out Russian gas imports.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kaja Kallas, EU foreign affairs chief, called on the US to share the burden of arming Ukraine, criticizing President Donald Trump's suggestion that Europe should buy American weapons for Kyiv.
  • Kallas expressed disappointment over the failure to approve the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia, but remains optimistic that a deal can be reached on Wednesday.
  • The EU will continue to implement sanctions against Russia, with Kallas affirming, "the EU will keep implementing them."
  • Slovakia has been blocking the latest EU sanctions package until its concerns over the EU's proposal to phase out Russian gas imports by January 1, 2028, are addressed.
  • The EU's 18th sanctions package was not approved due to Slovakia's objections, with Kallas saying, "the European Union did not approve the 18th Russia sanctions package today."
  • Kallas stressed that sanctions are necessary to starve Russia of the means to wage war, emphasizing the importance of a united EU response to support Ukraine.

Statistics:

  • The US has provided significant military aid to Ukraine, but the EU has also been criticized for not doing enough to support the country.
  • 18th EU sanctions package against Russia was blocked due to Slovakia's concerns over the EU's proposal to phase out Russian gas imports by January 1, 2028.
  • As of 2025, the EU has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions against Russia in response to the country's actions in Ukraine.
  • The European Union has committed to phasing out Russian gas imports by 2028, with the goal of reducing dependence on Russian energy.

Sources:

  • (Kuwait News Agency), "EU chief says US should 'share the burden' of arming Ukraine", 16 Jul 2025.

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