EU Unveils Arctic Strategy, Kallas Accuses US on Ukraine Surrender

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused US negotiators on Tuesday of trying to push Ukraine into surrendering to Russia for approximately 1.5 years.

Kallas stated that Ukraine resisted surrender on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s terms because Europe continued its support. Speaking during a European Parliament plenary debate on Russian strikes affecting Black Sea shipping, Kallas called for tougher pressure on Moscow. She rejected accusations that Europe lacked a peace strategy, stating that Europe and Ukraine want a just and lasting end to the war, not a temporary ceasefire.

Kallas presented EU foreign ministers with a maximalist plan for peace talks in February, arguing Europe should put forward its own demands to counter Russia’s. She said sanctions had deprived Russia of €1 trillion ($1.12 trillion), preventing that money from financing its war effort. The EU's position on Arctic oil, gas, and coal has not changed, with officials stating they do not need Arctic resources for energy security.

The new Arctic strategy reflects a much harsher security environment, according to Kallas, who noted the Arctic is no longer insulated from geopolitical tensions. The strategy puts security firmly at its core, recognizing that multilateral cooperation can no longer be the sole foundation of the EU’s Arctic approach. Brussels now treats the Arctic as part of Europe’s strategic neighborhood.

The strategy sets out a new political framework called the Northern Neighbourhood, bringing together strategic partners like Norway, Iceland, Canada, the UK, and the US for regular summits. Kallas stated Moscow has reopened Soviet-era bases and is testing new weapons in the region, and China’s strategic ambitions in the High North are growing. The EU plans to challenge Russia and China over the Northern Sea Route.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU must act and change its strategic posture as sovereignty and territorial integrity can no longer be taken for granted.