U.S. and EU Agree to Maintain ‘Maximum Pressure’ on Moscow
A European official stated that Brussels and Washington have agreed on the need to keep Vladimir Putin under “maximum pressure” following the first call between EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to the Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The agreement to “maintain maximum pressure on Moscow to move toward a just and sustainable peace” came after the initial phone conversation between Kallas and Rubio, the source added.
The call follows concerns among European officials since Donald Trump’s inauguration as U.S. president, regarding his pledge to swiftly end the ongoing war in Ukraine. They fear he might cut critical aid to Kyiv and push for a ceasefire under terms favorable to Moscow.
The official, who requested anonymity, stated that Kallas and Rubio emphasized “the importance of strengthening EU-U.S. cooperation on global issues, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and the challenges posed by China.”
Kallas also highlighted Europe’s increased investment in defense, its readiness to take on more responsibilities, and the importance of diversifying energy supplies.
Separately, Axios reported on Tuesday, citing three informed sources, that the U.S. had transferred about 90 Patriot air defense interceptors from Israel to Poland this week, which will then be delivered to Ukraine.
