European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stated on Friday that United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured her that Washington will not pursue a peace agreement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict without the full involvement of the Ukrainian government and the European Union.

Kallas made the statement ahead of the NATO foreign affairs ministers' meeting, emphasizing that Rubio’s attendance reaffirmed President Donald Trump’s administration’s commitment to the transatlantic alliance. "His presence shows the United States is engaged and serious about NATO," she noted.

Kallas also called for closer cooperation between NATO and the European Union in addressing the ongoing security threats posed by Russia. She warned that Russia is currently allocating over 9% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to military spending, and without a strong response, Moscow may feel emboldened to act again.

“They will want to use it again unless we increase our own capabilities,” Kallas warned, stressing that NATO members need to raise their defense budgets to ensure deterrence and long-term stability in the region.

The assurance from Washington not to exclude Kyiv and Brussels from peace negotiations appears to strengthen trust within the alliance, particularly amid growing concerns over geopolitical instability in Eastern Europe. It also signals continuity in US foreign policy under President Trump’s renewed leadership, reaffirming support for Ukraine and unity among NATO allies.

As NATO prepares for further strategic discussions, the reaffirmation of collective security principles and commitment to multilateral diplomacy remain key to managing the conflict and deterring further aggression.