**EU Official Criticizes US Stance on Ukraine‘s NATO Bid**
The European Union‘s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has spoken out against the US decision to rule out NATO membership for Ukraine. In an interview with AFP, she expressed her disappointment and concern over the move.
Ukraine’s allies in Europe are dismayed by the US stance, which they see as a security guarantee against future Russian aggression. Russia has long advocated against Ukraine joining NATO, claiming that it was responsible for the full-scale invasion. However, Kallas dismissed these claims as “totally untrue”.
**Comparing Apples and Oranges**
Kallas compared the proposed concessions to appeasing Al Qaeda after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US. She said it would be unimaginable for the US to sit down with Osama bin Laden and ask what else he wanted.
The EU official also drew parallels between Ukraine’s situation and Estonia’s experience when it joined NATO. Kallas, who is the former prime minister of Estonia, said that her country joined the alliance because it was afraid of Russia, with which it shares a border. She emphasized that NATO’s umbrella is the only security guarantee that works.
**European Leaders Unite**
As the US stance on Ukraine’s NATO bid shifts, European leaders are preparing to send more military aid to Ukraine. They are also expected to define a unified stance on defense and security guarantees for Ukraine at their upcoming summit on March 6.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is open to expanding economic cooperation with Russia in exchange for minerals once a peace deal is reached between Russia and Ukraine.
**Ukraine’s Economy**
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has lowered its growth forecast for Ukraine’s economy from 4.7% to 3.5%. This comes as Lieutenant General Artur Horbenko, along with other high-ranking officials, was arrested on charges of mismanaging Ukraine’s defense in Kharkiv Oblast.
**NATO Secretary General Speaks Out**
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has announced that alliance members are ramping up their defense investments and preparing additional financial support for Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of unity among partners and allies to ensure peace and security in Ukraine.
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