EU chides Gulf for not supporting Ukraine war effort, urges shared responsibility

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has criticised Gulf states for their lack of support for Ukraine’s defence against Russia, telling CNN on Friday that “we haven’t seen the Gulf countries helping us there” and that cooperation cannot be one‑sided. Kallas defended the bloc’s role in regional security amid the US‑Israeli war on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that Europe did not create the current situation. “Let’s be honest, we haven’t created the situation,” she said.

EU’s Contributions and Unfair Criticism

Kallas pointed to EU naval operations keeping the Red Sea open, support for Lebanese armed forces, backing for a two‑state solution and the Palestinian Authority, and the provision of air defence systems as evidence of Europe’s engagement. She described criticism of the EU’s role as “really unfair.” She also warned that some countries are helping to circumvent sanctions on Iran, which could have broader security implications, and called for stronger coordination among partners, noting that adversaries appear to be acting together more effectively.

Transatlantic Unity and Gulf Cooperation

Kallas reaffirmed that NATO remains the cornerstone of collective defence and that internal disagreements risk weakening the alliance. Despite tensions, she said cooperation between the EU and Gulf countries is strengthening, particularly in security and defence, and that ongoing dialogue has revealed “more cooperation points.” Her remarks came as Pakistan, together with Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, secured a two‑week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, with both sides meeting in Islamabad on Saturday to negotiate a lasting peace.