EU’s Kallas warns Putin’s ambitions extend beyond Donbas

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has warned that if Russian President Vladimir Putin captures Donbas, he is likely to continue his campaign to occupy all of Ukraine. She made the remarks to the media ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Kallas emphasized the importance of tangible security guarantees for countries seeking NATO membership, noting that nations such as Sweden, Finland, and the Baltic states joined the alliance to protect themselves from potential Russian aggression.

“We must remember why countries seek NATO membership - to ensure Russia cannot attack them. This is why Sweden and Finland joined, and why the Baltic countries are in NATO, to have this defensive umbrella,” she said. “Now, if that protection is questioned or denied, we need to see what real security guarantees exist. These cannot be mere documents or promises - they must be real forces and real capabilities so that Ukraine can defend itself.”

Kallas added that Donbas is not Putin’s ultimate goal.

“If he takes Donbas, the stronghold will fall, and then he will inevitably continue to occupy all of Ukraine. And if Ukraine falls, other regions will also be at risk. We know this from history and must learn from it.”