By Andrew Gray and Lili Bayer (OTC:)
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas pushed back on Wednesday against Donald Trump, saying Europe lagged behind the U.S. in aid to Ukraine, and insisted the bloc should have a seat at the table when the time comes for peace talks. .
Trump said Washington contributed more to Ukraine than Europe, but Kallas said Europe was the biggest contributor.
“By my account, we have given more than 134 billion euros to Ukraine. This makes us the biggest international donor,” Kallas told Reuters in an interview when asked about the US president's comments on Tuesday that Europe should pay more.
Kallas said it is important for Europe to be involved whenever there are talks to end the war caused by Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Some European officials have expressed fears that Trump might try to strike a deal directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Any negotiation or agreement that exists between Russia and Ukraine, also affects Europe. So 'nothing about Europe without Europe' is also a priority here,” he said.
Kallas expressed hope that the EU will find an agreement to maintain sanctions on Russia before they expire at the end of the month.
Hungary has so far refused to support the reforms, arguing that the EU should first consult with the Trump administration on the future of Russia sanctions.
“I see no reason to weaken or loosen the sanctions now,” Kallas said.
“Why I'm hopeful is that we've always reached unity and we've maintained unity so far, so I'm sure we'll work together this time,” he said, referring to past talks on sanctions.
He said EU officials were looking at what else could be done with Russian goods frozen inside the bloc. The bloc currently uses the proceeds from the assets to help Ukraine but has not used the assets themselves.