EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas has strongly condemned Russia’s full-scale invasion and ongoing war against Ukraine, while also emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza. In addition, she reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment as a steadfast partner of the United Nations. Kallas stressed the importance of reinforcing multilateral cooperation as the only way to address collective challenges and safeguard international peace and security.
During a recent address, Kallas stated, “The world faces unprecedented pressure, our geopolitical context is changing, but you can count on the European Union as the United Nations’ most reliable, credible, and predictable partner.” She highlighted the critical role that the EU plays in global affairs and expressed a commitment to working hand in hand with the UN to address complex issues facing the international community.
One of the key issues that Kallas addressed was Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which she described as “an illegal war of aggression” aimed at destroying another UN Member State. She condemned the invasion as unprovoked and called for an immediate end to the conflict by urging Russia to withdraw its troops and cease bombing Ukraine. Kallas emphasized the importance of not giving in to aggressors’ demands, citing Europe’s historical lessons that appeasement only leads to further violence.
The consequences of the war in Ukraine extend beyond the immediate conflict, impacting global food and energy markets and drawing in other nations such as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Iran. Kallas highlighted the need for all efforts to be focused on achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine to mitigate these broader repercussions and prevent further escalation of the conflict.
In addition to the crisis in Ukraine, Kallas also addressed the situation in Gaza, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to ensuring that life-saving aid reaches civilians affected by the conflict. She noted that while the ceasefire in Gaza is holding, it remains fragile, and any disruptions to aid deliveries would exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in the region. Kallas stressed the importance of ensuring that the delivery of humanitarian aid is not politicized or conditional, calling for all blockades to aid delivery to be lifted to allow for assistance to reach those in need.
The EU has been a significant provider of humanitarian aid to Palestinians, and Kallas reiterated the bloc’s support for a two-State solution as the only viable path towards sustainable peace and security in the Middle East. She welcomed diplomatic efforts towards a peace settlement in Gaza, including the $53 billion Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan, and expressed readiness to collaborate with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and regional partners to facilitate the rebuilding process.
Furthermore, Kallas reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to upholding multilateralism, human rights, and international law in partnership with the United Nations. She highlighted the bloc’s involvement in peacekeeping and security operations, including counter-piracy efforts. Kallas underscored the EU’s dedication to working closely with the UN to address global challenges and promote stability in an increasingly uncertain world.
Overall, Kallas’ remarks underscore the EU’s unwavering support for the United Nations and its commitment to addressing pressing global issues, from conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza to broader challenges facing the international community. As a reliable and credible partner, the European Union stands ready to collaborate with the UN and other international partners to promote peace, security, and humanitarian assistance in regions affected by conflict and crisis.
