Doha, Qatar – European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has reaffirmed that the United States remains Europe’s “biggest ally”, even after sharp criticisms of the continent in Washington’s recent National Security Strategy. Her comments come as US and Ukrainian officials continue intense ceasefire talks to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Speaking at the Doha Forum on Saturday, Kallas acknowledged that some claims in the US document—accusing Europe of lacking “self-confidence” and facing “civilizational erasure”—had a kernel of truth but insisted that EU-US unity remains essential.
“I think we haven’t always seen eye to eye on different topics, but the overall principle is still there. We are the biggest allies,” Kallas said. She added that the US should aim to help Europe correct its current trajectory.
Criticism in the US National Security Strategy
The strategy suggested that Europe could potentially lose its status as a reliable ally. Analysts compared the tone to earlier criticisms by the Trump administration, which pressured European nations to increase NATO contributions while claiming some countries had benefited disproportionately from Washington’s generosity during the Ukraine conflict.
Kallas emphasized that while the EU respects the US perspective, maintaining a strong, self-confident Europe is crucial in addressing global security challenges.
Ukraine Ceasefire Talks Continue
The Doha Forum remarks coincided with the third consecutive day of US-Ukraine talks on a draft plan proposed by the Trump administration. The plan envisions Ukraine making concessions on territory Russia has not captured in exchange for security guarantees that fall short of Kyiv’s aspirations to join NATO.
During earlier talks in Moscow, Ukrainian officials confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains steadfast in his maximalist territorial claims, complicating efforts to reach a sustainable ceasefire.
Following the second day of negotiations, Washington stated that “real progress” would depend on Russia demonstrating serious commitment to long-term peace, including steps to de-escalate and halt killings.
Kallas Warns Against Rewarding Aggression
Kallas criticized past US pressure on Kyiv to accept Russian demands, arguing that imposing limitations on Ukraine will not achieve lasting peace.
“If aggression is rewarded, we will see it happen again, and not only in Ukraine or Gaza, but all around the world,” she said.
She added that Europe had been underestimating its own power, urging the continent to adopt a more self-confident approach toward Russia.
EU’s Position on Global Security
Kallas’s remarks highlight the EU’s balancing act between maintaining a strong alliance with the US and asserting its own influence in the Ukraine war and broader global security matters. The EU seeks to support Ukraine while ensuring that long-term stability and deterrence guide relations with both Moscow and Washington.
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