European Union's Main Diplomat Banks President Trump On Assistance To Ukraine

Kaja Kallas (Wikimedia Commons/FinnishGovernment)

JAKARTA - EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Wednesday dismissed President Donald Trump's statement that Europe was lagging behind the United States in terms of aid for Ukraine, insisting the bloc should have a place at the negotiating table when the time comes for peace negotiations.

Earlier, President Trump said Washington contributed more to Ukraine than Europe.

Kallas himself said Europe was a major contributor to Ukraine.

"In my opinion, we have given Ukraine more than 134 billion euros. That makes us the biggest international donors," Kallas told Reuters.

The EU's top diplomat further said it was important for Europe to participate whenever there were negotiations to end the war sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Several European officials have voiced concerns that President Trump may be trying to make a direct deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Whatever negotiations or agreement between Russia and Ukraine, it also concerns Europe. So, 'nothing important about Europe without Europe' is also the main thing here," explained Kallas.

Kallas himself expressed his optimism that the European Union would find an agreement to maintain sanctions against Russia before the sanctions end at the end of this month.

Hungary has so far refused to support the extension of sanctions, arguing the EU should consult with the Trump administration on the future of Russian sanctions.

"I see no reason to weaken or lift sanctions now," Kallas said.

"I am optimistic because we have always achieved unity and maintained unity so far, so I am sure we will succeed this time too," he said, referring to previous discussions on sanctions.

He added that EU officials were looking into what else could be done with Russian assets frozen inside the block.

The bloc used the assets' profits to help Ukraine but has not used the asset itself.