EU's top diplomat warns against giving in to Russian intimidation

NEW YORK — European Union’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that Russia is attempting to intimidate Europe into reducing its defense support in the region, which could lead to increased aggression from Moscow if successful. Kallas made these comments during an interview with Fox News Digital at the U.N. General Assembly. "Their goal is to intimidate us from not supporting Ukraine, from refraining to support them and pressuring Russia," Kallas said. She emphasized the importance of not succumbing to fear, as yielding to intimidation could encourage further acts of aggression worldwide. Kallas's perspective is informed by her personal history; her mother was deported to Siberia during Stalin’s mass deportations from the Baltic states. Kallas herself was born in Tallinn in 1977 and lived under Soviet rule until Estonia regained independence in 1991. Kallas has become a significant voice in Europe regarding Russia, particularly as NATO countries face various provocations from Moscow. While some officials in Estonia and other Baltic states caution against interpreting these provocations as preparations for a conventional invasion, Kallas pointed to Russia's increasing sabotage activities in Europe and the need for robust defense investments. The ongoing debate is fueled by incidents involving Russian aircraft and drone incursions, which some European officials view as tests of NATO's defenses. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna noted that his country's intelligence services do not see indications of Russia preparing for a full-scale attack on NATO. Kallas, however, contended that Moscow's actions aim to undermine Western support for Ukraine. She called for coordinated pressure from the U.S. and European allies to change Russia's approach, emphasizing that Moscow must demonstrate seriousness in negotiations by ceasing attacks on civilians and agreeing to a ceasefire.