Kaja Kallas Urges Europe to Enhance Own Defence Capabilities Against Rising Russian Threat
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas recently addressed the European Defence & Security Summit in Brussels, emphasizing the urgent need for European nations to bolster their defence capabilities in the face of escalating Russian aggression. Kallas highlighted the stark reality of the situation, pointing out the significant disparity in military production between Russia and the Euro-Atlantic community.
Highlighting the concerning mobilization of the Russian military industrial complex, Kallas underscored the potential threat posed by Russia's readiness for future conflict. She stressed the imperative of denying Russia any opportunity for further aggression.
Central to Kallas's address was the necessity of supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. She emphasized the critical need for ammunition and air defence systems to ensure Ukraine's victory and thwart Russian advances. Encouragingly, Kallas noted the growing support for Estonia's initiative to provide military aid to Ukraine among several countries.
In addition to aiding Ukraine, Kallas emphasized the importance of enhancing Europe's own defence capabilities. She called for a commitment from European nations to meet the NATO-agreed minimum defence spending target of 2% of GDP. Kallas highlighted the broader benefits of supporting the defence industry, including job creation, economic growth, and technological advancement.
Looking to the future, Kallas called for a significant increase in the allocation of the European Union's budget towards defence. She criticized the current allocation of a mere 0.86% as insufficient in light of the evolving security landscape. Kallas stressed the need for concrete actions to align with the new security reality facing Europe.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Kallas's address underscored the urgent need for European nations to strengthen their defence readiness in response to Russian aggression. By supporting Ukraine and enhancing domestic defence capabilities, Europe can better safeguard its security and future prosperity.