"Today, Russia has no chance against NATO and the EU. But we must stand together."

This was stated by the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, according to AFP.

Her words came ahead of the NATO summit in The Hague, where the main topic will be the defense spending of member states. US President Donald Trump is insisting that Alliance countries increase their spending to 5% of GDP. Kallas warned that increased defense spending alone is not enough to deter the Kremlin.

“When NATO leaders meet next week, maintaining unity within the alliance is just as important a priority as increasing defense spending,” the top European diplomat stressed.

NATO leaders appear set to agree on a significant increase in military budgets when they meet in The Hague next week.

But the alliance, which includes 23 of the 27 European Union member states, has been rocked by questions about the reliability of the US under Trump and Washington's commitment to Europe's defense.

So far, the US president has tried unsuccessfully to end Russia's war in Ukraine through negotiations with Moscow.

Kaja Kallas said Russia's military buildup was a threat to Europe and transatlantic security.

“Last year, Russia spent more on defense than (all EU countries) combined. This year, Russia is spending more on defense than on its own healthcare, education, and social policy combined,” she said.

“This is a long-term plan for long-term aggression. You don't spend that much on military power unless you plan to use it,” the head of European diplomacy added.

The EU has launched a series of initiatives aimed at raising up to €800 billion to help member states strengthen their defense.

On June 17, Brussels presented proposals to reduce bureaucracy so that the European defense industry can increase its production. | BGNES