Brussels: European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas on Tuesday emphasized the need for the United States to "share the burden" of arming Ukraine. This statement came in response to remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting that Europe should purchase American weapons for Kyiv. According to Kuwait News Agency, Kallas articulated her concerns during a press briefing following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels. She asserted, "If you promise to give the weapons but say that it's somebody else who is going to pay for it, it is not really given by you." In addition to addressing the issue of arms, Kallas expressed disappointment over the EU's inability to approve its 18th sanctions package against Russia. "The European Union did not approve the 18th Russia sanctions package today," she stated, while remaining hopeful that an agreement could be reached by Wednesday. "I'm really sad the sanctions did not get approved, but hopeful a deal will be reached. The ball is in Slovakia's court," she added. Kallas underscored the importance of sanctions, noting that they are "necessary to starve Russia of the means to wage this war." She affirmed the EU's commitment to implementing the sanctions. Slovakia, however, has been blocking the latest EU sanctions package due to its concerns over a separate EU proposal to phase out imports of Russian gas by January 1, 2028. Bratislava has requested a review of this proposal before supporting the new sanctions package.
