EU Calls for Shared Burden in Ukraine Aid Following US Pledge

Following the United States' recent announcement of increased military aid to Ukraine, utilizing European funds, the EU's chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, expressed the EU's perspective on the matter. She welcomed the US's willingness to provide Patriot missiles to Ukraine. However, she emphasized the desire for the US to share the financial responsibility.

Kallas made these remarks during a press briefing following the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels. She clarified that when the EU provides financial support for weapons, it constitutes European support. The EU is actively contributing to Ukraine's defense and therefore encourages all allies to do the same.

Kallas questioned the nature of the US's commitment, stating that promising weapons while expecting others to cover the costs doesn't represent a genuine contribution. This statement was made in response to a proposal by the US, where NATO allies would finance the purchase of Patriot missile defense systems and other weaponry for Ukraine. The weapons, valued at billions of dollars, would be manufactured by the US defense industry.