Ms Kallas says countries must increase their defense spending in the face of a “new security reality”. Photo: NURPHOTO
Britain and America's commitment to the defense of Ukraine should inspire other countries to follow suit, said Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
“If we can’t help Ukraine, what will happen then?” “Does this speak to us?” said Ms. Kallas, who has been dubbed “Europe's Iron Lady” for her fierce criticism of Putin's illegal invasion and is on the Kremlin's most wanted list.
Ms Callas was speaking after her performance in the UK. This week it announced a £500 million pledge to Ukraine and the largest ever supply of vital supplies, including around 400 vehicles, 1,600 ammunition and four million rounds of ammunition.
The package comes after Rishi Sunak also announced plans to increase UK defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030, as the US finally approved a long-delayed $60bn (£48.5bn) aid package for Ukraine.
And on Friday evening the US announced its largest-ever donation of military aid to Kyiv, promising to send much-needed air defense ammunition and artillery shells.
Security is at stake
In an exclusive interview with The Telegraph, Ms Callas said: “ The free world must demonstrate the will to defeat Russian aggression in Ukraine – this is the best and cheapest way to ensure all of our security.”
“Ukraine needs both.” our operational military assistance and long-term support. Russia's goals have not changed, it has always counted on the fact that one day our aid will decrease and our unity will collapse.”
She added: “In this regard, every package of arms and ammunition, including the latest UK , as well as the US, are welcome.
“It should also inspire others to give Ukraine what it desperately needs. We must not forget that we have the resources and experience – our strength outweighs Russia's.”
“More is required”
British troops are stationed in Estonia, which was occupied by the Soviet Union and neighbors Russia and was one of them. one of the first European countries to send military aid to Ukraine.
“To meet the demands of the new security reality, more is required from everyone, not just from those countries that border Russia,” Ms. Callas said .
“In NATO, two percent is the agreed minimum, but not everyone does it. Some allies, including Estonia, now spend more than three or even four percent [of GDP on defense].
“The UK's moves to increase defense spending in the face of a changed security situation are on the right track,” she said.
Threat to whole Europe
Ms Callas added: “We have been slow to learn, but it is important that European governments understood this. The trajectory of defense spending in Europe has risen sharply. Last year it reached a total of 360 billion euros, a level not seen since the Cold War.
“But we all still have a long way to go and we don’t have the luxury of time. Russian imperialism is a threat to all of Europe, and it is important that our allies see it that way.”
Jan Lipavsky, the Czech foreign minister, told the Telegraph newspaper that he also welcomed British support.
He said: “The Czech Republic, along with the UK, has been at the forefront of supporting Ukraine, as we know from our history that the further Russia is from our borders, the better.”
Defending the skies
Ukraine has in recent months asked its allies to strengthen air defenses as it struggles to fend off a wave of deadly attacks on civilian infrastructure.
The $6 billion support package announced by Washington on Friday includes interceptors for both Patriot and the Nassam Air Defense System.
“This is the largest security assistance package we have committed to date,” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters after the virtual meeting. dozens of Kyiv representatives. international supporters.
“They need air defense interceptors, they need artillery systems and ammunition. They need… armored vehicles, they need maintenance and support. So all of those things are included in the package.”
It follows another $1 billion package announced just after President Joe Biden signed a long-awaited bill providing new funding to Ukraine. .
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