The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has strongly criticized US President Donald Trump for what she describes as the adoption of “Russian narratives” in discussions regarding the ongoing Ukraine conflict. In a recent interview, Kallas expressed growing concerns about Washington’s perceived shift away from its traditional European allies and a policy approach that she claims has become notably friendlier toward Moscow.

Kaja Kallas, who serves as the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and was formerly Estonia’s Prime Minister from 2021 to 2024, is widely regarded as a staunch advocate for a hardline approach toward Russia. Speaking to Axios on February 27, she described Trump’s recent rhetoric as “uncomfortable” and asserted that US officials had been echoing “Russian narratives and talking points” with increasing frequency.

“The statements made towards us are quite strong. The statements regarding Russia are very friendly. It is a change,” Kallas remarked, signaling alarm over what she perceives as a significant shift in Washington’s foreign policy.

She further warned of the consequences of allowing Russia to reintegrate into global diplomatic frameworks without accountability for its actions in Ukraine. “If Russia is allowed back around the international table like nothing has happened, more armed conflicts will follow, and not only in Europe,” she cautioned. Her remarks align with concerns among European officials who fear that Washington’s changing stance may encourage Moscow’s geopolitical ambitions.

Kallas’s concerns were further exacerbated by the exclusion of both the EU and Ukraine from the recent US-Russia negotiations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Those talks, which took place earlier in February, were reportedly focused on restoring bilateral relations between Washington and Moscow. Both the US and Russia justified their decision to exclude Kiev and Brussels by stating that the discussions were preliminary and aimed at assessing the potential for future diplomatic engagement.

However, Kallas strongly opposed this approach, arguing that any agreements reached without European and Ukrainian participation would be unworkable. “US officials can talk with [Russian President Vladimir] Putin all they want… but in order for any kind of deal to be implemented, they need the Europeans,” she emphasized. She made it clear that Washington could not unilaterally dictate the terms of any resolution to the Ukraine crisis, particularly one that did not take into account Ukraine’s security and territorial integrity.

Trump’s approach to the Ukraine conflict has increasingly diverged from the policies pursued by his predecessor, Joe Biden, whose administration championed strong military and financial support for Kiev. In contrast, Trump has been openly critical of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, at one point referring to him as a “dictator without elections.”

These remarks have not gone unnoticed in Europe, where many leaders fear that Trump’s skepticism toward Ukraine could signal a weakening of Western resolve in supporting Kiev. While the US president has since moderated his language, his reluctance to provide Ukraine with additional financial assistance and his broader skepticism about NATO’s role in the conflict remain sources of tension between Washington and Brussels.

Beyond disagreements on Ukraine, tensions between the EU and the US have also surfaced regarding democratic governance within the bloc. At the recent Munich Security Conference, US Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a speech in which he criticized the state of democracy in the EU, a statement that was praised as “brilliant” by Trump. Kallas responded to these remarks with visible frustration, stating, “I refuse to accept that criticism, because it’s just simply not true.”

The EU has frequently defended its political system against accusations of bureaucratic overreach and a democratic deficit, asserting that its institutions function transparently and in accordance with democratic principles. However, the emergence of nationalist and populist movements within the bloc-alongside growing discontent over Brussels’ centralized decision-making-has fueled criticism from conservative voices in the US, including those within Trump’s administration.

Kallas’s concerns reflect broader anxieties within the EU regarding Washington’s strategic direction under Trump. Many European leaders worry that the US president’s policy shifts could embolden Russia while simultaneously undermining transatlantic unity. The EU has been one of Ukraine’s strongest backers since the onset of the conflict, and any weakening of Washington’s commitment to Kiev is seen as a direct challenge to European security interests.

In her February 24 remarks, Kallas warned that “if we look at the messages that come from the US, then it is clear that the Russian narrative is there, very strongly represented.” She has also repeatedly cautioned Washington against falling into what she calls “Russian traps,” referring to Moscow’s alleged diplomatic maneuvering to shape international discourse in its favor.

Despite the backlash from European officials, Trump has shown little inclination to change course. His administration appears intent on redefining the US’s global strategic priorities, with a focus on recalibrating its stance on Russia and reassessing its commitments to European security. Trump’s recent comments suggest that he views Ukraine’s government as partly responsible for the ongoing conflict, a perspective that diverges sharply from the EU’s position.

This policy shift has sparked concern not only among European leaders but also within NATO, where some members fear that Trump’s approach could undermine the alliance’s credibility. The US remains the most significant military power within NATO, and any changes in its commitment to European defense have profound implications for the bloc’s stability.

The tensions between Kallas and Trump underscore the broader strain in transatlantic relations, with the EU increasingly feeling sidelined in key diplomatic negotiations. Kallas’s warnings reflect a growing sense of unease among European policymakers, who see Trump’s approach as a potential boon for Russia and a threat to European security.

While the US and EU remain formal allies, the deepening rift over Ukraine policy suggests that their strategic priorities may be diverging. If Trump continues to pursue a policy that is perceived as more conciliatory toward Moscow, Europe may find itself compelled to take greater responsibility for its own security-potentially ushering in a new era of European strategic autonomy.

For now, Kallas and other EU leaders remain steadfast in their stance against Russia, warning Washington that any deviation from the established Western position could have long-lasting consequences. Whether Trump will heed these warnings remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the coming months will be critical in shaping the future of US-EU relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.

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