**EU’s Top Diplomat Warns of Russian Aggression: “Start Learning Russian”**
The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has issued a stark warning to her colleagues and the rest of Europe. She says that if stronger military and financial support is not provided for Ukraine, then Europeans might have to start learning Russian.
Kallas, who serves as the High Representative of the EU, made these comments in an interview with The Guardian on June 17. Her message was clear: Russia responds to strength, and nothing else.
“We know that Russia responds to strength and nothing else,” Kallas said, emphasizing the need for continued sanctions against Russia and more aid to Kyiv. She also called Ukraine “Europe’s first line of defense.”
Kallas’ comments come as Russian forces intensify their attacks on Ukrainian cities, and the Kremlin continues to reject a push by Kyiv and its Western allies for an unconditional ceasefire.
The EU diplomat cited a sharp increase in Russia’s military spending, noting that Moscow is now allocating more money to defense than the EU combined, and more than its own health care, education, and social policies put together. This, she said, is a long-term plan for long-term aggression.
**NATO’s 5% Defense Spending Target**
Kallas urged governments to adopt NATO’s new target of spending 5% of GDP on defense, warning of Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics, including airspace violations, attacks on critical infrastructure, and covert sabotage operations within EU borders. This target is expected to be formally adopted during the upcoming NATO summit, which will take place on June 24 and 25 in The Hague.
The United States has also pushed for European allies to increase their defense budgets, with U.S. President Donald Trump insisting that they do so.
**”Cannot Be Trusted”**
Kallas also expressed her skepticism about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ability to mediate peace while continuing to bomb Ukrainian cities and civilians. “Clearly, President Putin is not somebody who can talk about peace while we see actions like this,” she said, after a massive Russian missile and drone strike on Kyiv killed at least 28 people and wounded over 130.
**EU Prepares 18th Sanctions Package**
The EU is currently preparing its 18th sanctions package against Moscow, targeting energy, defense, and banking sectors. The previous round of sanctions came into effect in May.
Kallas also reiterated her call for the EU to move forward with tightening the oil price cap on Russian exports, even without U.S. backing. She warned that the ongoing Israel-Iran crisis could cause oil prices to spike, boosting Russia’s war revenues.
**Russia’s Aggression Continues**
Despite international pressure and sanctions, Russia continues to pursue its aggression against Ukraine. The conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties, including over 1,080 Russian soldiers killed or wounded just over the past day.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 40 drones, while 48 disappeared from radars or were intercepted by electronic warfare. The strikes targeted residential infrastructure and civilian areas, causing significant damage and loss of life.
**”Start Learning Russian”?**
Kallas’ comment about starting to learn Russian if help for Ukraine is not provided might seem extreme, but it highlights the growing concern among European leaders that Russia’s actions are not just limited to Ukraine but pose a threat to regional security as well.
The comments from Kallas and other EU officials suggest that Europe is preparing for a long-term conflict with Russia and is urging its allies to take a more robust stance against Moscow’s aggression.
