EU High Representative Kalla Kallas stated that recent attacks demonstrate Vladimir Putin is “mocking all peace efforts” and that Russia “only understands pressure.” She made these remarks upon arriving at an informal EU Defense Council meeting in Copenhagen. Kallas confirmed work is underway on a 19th package of measures, noting that while many options are on the table, the most impactful would target energy, block access to capital, and implement secondary sanctions. “Discussions are ongoing, but everyone understands that the only thing that works is pressure,” she explained.
Kallas added that the meeting would discuss modifying the mandates of the European civilian and military training missions in Ukraine. This includes debating the “appetite” for training Ukrainian soldiers in the western part of the country before a truce is agreed upon. She characterized the debate on security guarantees for Ukraine as a matter for the ‘day after,’ but added that, judging by Putin’s actions, that day “is not near.”
In a related development, the Trump administration has approved an $825 million arms sale to Ukraine to enhance its defensive capabilities. The package will include extended-range missiles and associated equipment. The State Department announced on Thursday it had notified Congress of the sale, which covers 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munitions (ERAM) missiles with a range of 240-400 km, 3,350 GPS units, plus components, spare parts, and technical support and training.
The department stated that Kyiv will use funding from NATO allies such as Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, in addition to U.S. foreign military financing, to pay for the equipment. It said the sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by “improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.” This move comes as U.S. efforts to mediate peace between Kyiv and Moscow appear stalled.
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