Brussels, 27 June 2024 – Prime Minister Kaja Kallas met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels today to discuss the upcoming Washington summit, the alliance’s support for Ukraine, the necessity of a unified policy towards Russia, and the funding of NATO’s new defense plans.
“We need to take bold decisions at the summit that will ensure the long-term security of our people and the Euro-Atlantic region as a whole,” the Estonian head of government remarked at a post-meeting press conference. “NATO remains the most successful defense alliance in history. In this anniversary year, the greatest gift we can give it is decisions that reflect the new security reality.”
Prime Minister Kallas emphasized that support for Ukraine is crucial for long-term defense and deterrence. “The price we are currently paying to support Ukraine is nothing compared to what it would be if Russia’s aggression paid off,” she warned, underlining the importance of continued aid.
The head of government also highlighted that the decisions taken at the Washington summit regarding Ukraine must support the country on its path to accession. “The main thing recent decades have taught us is that grey zones lead to new conflicts,” she said. “We must show, in word and deed, that Ukraine’s journey towards NATO membership is irreversible.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, Prime Minister Kallas thanked Secretary General Stoltenberg for his outstanding work since his appointment on 1 October 2014. He will hand over the role to Mark Rutte this autumn.
