High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas speaks of the need to increase support for Ukraine so that it can win the war that Russia is waging against the country.

She said this in Brussels on Monday at a press conference following the meeting of the EU Council at the level of foreign ministers of the EU member states. This was the first meeting chaired by Kallas since taking office.

According to the High Representative, the issue of military support for Ukraine was discussed during the meeting. "Ukraine needs our support in the battlefield. The stronger they are on the battlefield, the stronger they are also behind the negotiation table. Not just to hold on, but to tilt the balance to their favour… We must support Ukraine militarily," Kallas said. She confirmed that the EU will train 75,000 Ukrainian soldiers by the end of winter.

The High Representative also recalled that the EU has provided Ukraine with EUR 4.2 billion in financial support this month, and will provide EUR 1.5 billion per month from January. "But more support is needed. As Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha told us when he joined us by video, it's a very difficult situation for Ukraine on the battlefield. We all heard him loud and clear. Ukraine needs more ammunition, stronger air defences, and more support for its own defence industry as well. And we must give Ukraine what it needs to win this war," Kallas said.

She also expressed confidence that "Putin will not stop unless he's stopped." "And I think what the fall of Assad's regime also showed is that Russia is weakened, and you cannot put your bets on Putin. He does not support you when you need him," the High Representative outlined the situation.

Kallas also confirmed that the EU continued its efforts to limit Russia's ability to wage war. "First, we adopted the 15th sanctions package against Russia. This round targets the Shadow Fleet, North Korean officials, and for the first time also Chinese firms making drones for Moscow. Our message is very clear. You cannot fuel a war in Europe and get away with it," she said.