Kaja Kallas: “Every Euro We Deny Russia Hurts Putin’s War Machine”

EU Strategy Against Russian Aggression

• 💡 The European Union's stance is clear: Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine is the victim, emphasizing that pressure on Russia will end the war.
• 🎯 The EU aims to adopt a major new sanctions package, with the principle that "every euro we deny Russia is one it can't use on war."
• 🔑 Ministers broadly support mobilizing frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's immediate defense needs, sending a powerful message to Moscow.

Combating Russia's Shadow Fleet

• ⚡ Russia's "Shadow Fleet" funds its war and acts as a launchpad for hybrid attacks, necessitating a more robust EU-wide approach.
• 🛠️ Measures include more powers to board and inspect vessels and appointing a special coordinator to gather best practices from member states.
• 🌍 International coordination with bodies like the G7 and existing maritime operations will be leveraged to cut Russian war funds.

Accountability and Energy Security

• ⚖️ The EU is moving towards operationalizing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression, with 25 member states committed and €10 million in EU funding.
• ⚠️ Russia's terror attacks on Ukraine's energy grid are intensifying, prompting the EU to propose additional measures for Ukrainian energy security.
• 🤝 Member states will reach out to third countries to secure repair equipment and increase gas deliveries to Ukraine.

Peace Conditions and Territorial Integrity

• 🚫 The EU firmly rejects suggestions for Ukraine to make territorial concessions, asserting that aggression must not pay off as it invites further conflict.
• 📜 International law and the principle of territorial integrity are paramount, as wars end when one party runs out of money.
• 💬 While welcoming President Trump's sincere efforts for peace, it's believed that Putin will only negotiate seriously if he thinks he's losing.