EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas addressed the media in Brussels following a Foreign Affairs Council meeting on May 12, 2026 [1].
These discussions signal the European Union's evolving strategy regarding Russian aggression and the internal challenges of maintaining a unified front among member states. The meeting focused on the ability of the bloc to provide financial support to Ukraine despite political opposition within the union.
Kallas discussed the EU's efforts to secure a €90 billion loan package for Ukraine [2]. The funding has faced hurdles due to a veto from Hungary. Kallas said the union possesses the necessary mechanisms to move forward without total consensus, stating, “We have the tools, but we need the courage to use them” [3].
Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, Kallas assessed the current state of the Kremlin's leadership. She said, “Putin is in a weaker position than ever before” [4]. This assessment comes as EU ministers prepare to discuss potential negotiations with Russia later this month [5].
Beyond Europe, the High Representative addressed the EU's security presence in the Middle East. Kallas said there is “no appetite” to extend the mandate of the EU’s naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz [3]. This indicates a potential shift in the bloc's naval commitments in the region.
While some reports listed the council meeting as occurring on May 11, the official EU press release confirmed the date as May 12 [1]. The press conference took place at approximately 17:00 at the European Defence Agency Steering Board venue in Brussels [1].
““Putin is in a weaker position than ever before.””
The EU is attempting to balance a hardline stance against Russia with the practical necessity of bypassing internal vetos to fund Ukraine's defense. The reluctance to extend the Hormuz naval mission suggests a strategic recalibration of EU resources, potentially prioritizing Eastern European security over Middle Eastern maritime stability.
