EU's Kallas Criticizes Gulf Countries Over Ukraine War Support

(MENAFN) European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas issued a sharp rebuke Friday, declaring that Gulf nations have fallen short in supporting Europe's response to Russia's ongoing war on Ukraine — and warning that alliances must operate on mutual terms.

Speaking in an interview with media, Kallas made clear that European patience with one-sided partnerships is wearing thin.

"We haven't seen … the Gulf countries helping us there," Kallas said. "It can't be only one-way street."

Kallas also pushed back against criticism that the EU has failed to ease escalating regional tensions, firmly rejecting any suggestion that the bloc bears responsibility for the current conflict between the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, or for the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

"Let's be honest, we haven't created the situation," she said.

The EU foreign policy chief defended the bloc's active role in Middle Eastern security, citing naval missions designed to safeguard Red Sea shipping lanes, military support for Lebanese armed forces, and the EU's sustained backing of a two-state solution along with the Palestinian Authority. She added that air defense systems and additional security contributions further underline Europe's commitment — calling accusations of inaction "really unfair."

Kallas also raised concerns about countries alleged to be helping Iran sidestep international sanctions, cautioning that such behavior carries serious security consequences for the broader region.

On the question of transatlantic unity, Kallas was unequivocal in affirming NATO's central role in collective Western defense.

"NATO is the strongest defense alliance there is in the world, and we need to keep it that way," she said.

She cautioned, however, that internal friction and miscommunication threaten to erode that strength, warning that "when we are not together, we are both weaker."

Addressing longstanding European grievances, Kallas also invoked the bloc's military history alongside the United States, arguing that sacrifices made in past American-led campaigns deserve acknowledgment rather than dismissal.

"Hundreds of thousands of European soldiers fought … because the US asked us to," she said, referencing EU member states' participation in US operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and calling any portrayal to the contrary "not true and not fair."

Despite the friction, Kallas offered a more optimistic note on EU-Gulf relations, saying security and defense ties are gradually improving. She said recent diplomatic exchanges have uncovered "more cooperation points," and characterized the evolving partnership as "beneficial" to both parties.

She closed by stressing that in today's increasingly volatile global environment, allied unity is not optional — but essential.

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