Kaja Kallas: UK and US Aid to Ukraine Should Encourage Others to Step Up the Military Support

Prime Minister of Estonia Kaja Kallas stated that helping Ukraine is the best and the cheapest way to ensure security in Europe.

“If we fail to help Ukraine, what does it say about us? ,” said Ms Kallas, who has been called “Europe’s Iron Lady” for her firm stance regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Kaja added Ukraine needs both swift military aid and long-term support since Russia’s goals have not changed.

“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,” said Kaja.

She added: “In this regard, every arms and ammunition package, including the latest by the UK and also by the US, are highly welcome. It should also inspire others to deliver to Ukraine what it urgently needs. We should not forget that we have the resources and expertise — our strength outweighs Russia’s.”

The PM commentary was made after the announcement of the biggest US military aid package on Tuesday evening, April 23, when the US Senate voted in favor of sending $95 billion in military aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, with almost $61 billion going to Ukraine.

On the same day, April 23, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced an additional £500 million of military funding for Ukraine and the largest ever provision of vital munitions, including 60 boats, more than 400 vehicles, including 160 protected mobility ‘Husky’ vehicles, 162 armored vehicles and 78 all-terrain vehicles, over 1,600 strike and air defense missiles and nearly four million rounds of small arms ammunition.

Ms. Kallas added that Europe’s defense spending trajectory has had a sharp upturn, reaching €360 billion last year, a level which hasn’t been seen since the Cold War: “But we all still have a long way to go, and we do not 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, too.”