Russia’s war on Ukraine, China, the Middle East and defence spending were the main topics of the first phone call between Kaja Kallas and Marco Rubio.
The EU’s High Representative Kaja Kallas and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio agreed to maintain “maximum pressure” on Russia and ensure a lasting peace in Ukraine in their first phone call since Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
The call, which took place on Tuesday evening, also touched upon the challenges posed by China, a number-one priority for the Trump Administration; the situation in the Middle East, including Syria’s transition of power and Iran’s campaign of destabilisation; and new ways to deepen transatlantic cooperation.
Kallas and Rubio “agreed on the necessity of maintaining maximum pressure on Moscow to move towards a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine,” an EU official with knowledge of the conversation told Euronews.
Rubio “welcomed the extension of EU sanctions against Russia for its war against Ukraine,” the Secretary’s spokesperson said in a read-out.
The comments help assuage Europe’s suspicions about Trump’s strategy to bring the invasion to an end. During his presidential campaign, the Republican had harshly criticised assistance to Ukraine and promised to end the war “in 24 hours,” which stoked fears of a fast-tracked agreement that would benefit Moscow more than Kyiv.
But soon after taking office, Trump toned down his claims, admitting the resolution would take months, or even longer.
Last week, the president threatened to slap Russia with “high levels of taxes, tariffs, and sanctions” if President Vladimir Putin refused to “make a deal”. The hawkish comments influenced Hungay’s decision-making: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a close Trump ally, raised the prospect of blocking the renewal of all sectorial sanctions against Russia. He later backed down after securing a non-binding statement on energy solidarity.
Brussels is already preparing a new package of restrictions against the Kremlin.
Still, there is plenty of uncertainty regarding the future of EU-US relations. Trump has put the bloc on edge with his threat to take control of Greenland, using economic coercion and military force if necessary. “I think we’re going to have it,” he said over the weekend.
In response, EU leaders have hardened their rhetoric, vowing to defend the sprawling island, which is a semi-autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark. A new poll shows 85% of Greenlanders oppose Trump’s expansionist plans.
It is unclear if Greenland was discussed at all during the Kallas-Rubio call. None of the read-outs mentioned the issue.
What was discussed was Europe’s need to step up its defence spending, a recurring demand in Washington that both Republicans and Democrats have shared. Trump, though, has taken it a step further by asking European allies to devote 5% of their GDP to military expenditure, a rate that not even the US meets.
“Secretary Rubio underscored the need to strengthen transatlantic security (and) called for Europe to increase defense spending,” his office said.
Kallas “emphasised Europe’s increasing investment in defence and its readiness to take on greater responsibility, alongside the importance of diversifying energy supplies,” the EU official said. “Both leaders looked forward to meeting in person soon.”
Tuesday’s phone call caps days of speculation about the EU’s lack of engagement with the new administration. Kallas had to wait more than a week since the inauguration to speak with Rubio. By the time the call took place, Rubio had already spoken with several of his European counterparts, such as Poland’s Radosław Sikorski, Denmark’s Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Hungary’s Péter Szijjártó and Italy’s Antonio Tajani.
ADVERTISEMENTOn Monday, Kallas said she had extended an open invitation to Rubio to virtually join a meeting of foreign affairs ministers. She also said she was willing to visit Washington “as soon as possible.” A date for the trip is yet to be announced.
