Kaja Kallas, the former Prime Minister of Estonia and currently seen as a key figure in European Union foreign affairs, has recently made headlines for her strong criticism of former President Donald Trump’s approach to Russia. After a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kallas expressed her concerns about the lack of pressure on Russia, stating that any agreement made without European and Ukrainian involvement would likely fail.
Kallas’s comments come as she reflects on her own country’s military stance. Estonia, which has a history of being caught between larger powers like Germany and Russia, spent only $1.4 billion on defense last year. While this amount represents 3.4% of Estonia’s GDP—higher than many NATO members—it is still considered low for a nation that views itself as vulnerable to Russian aggression. The Estonian military is relatively small, with just 3,750 active personnel and limited equipment, including ten ships and a handful of aircraft.
This situation raises questions about Estonia’s reliance on NATO and, specifically, the United States for protection. Kallas’s criticism of Trump’s approach seems at odds with her country’s dependence on American military support. Estonia’s neighbors are unlikely to intervene in a conflict, leaving Tallinn looking to the U.S. for defense.
Kallas is not alone in her expectations. Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni recently suggested that NATO security guarantees should be extended to Ukraine, even though Ukraine is not a member of the alliance. This idea has been criticized as unrealistic and misleading, as it undermines NATO’s membership process and the serious implications of defending against a nuclear power.
In March, a proposal to establish a European peacekeeping force for Ukraine fell apart when the U.S. refused to provide the necessary protections for European troops. Meloni’s suggestion for security guarantees for non-members has been seen as a way to appear strong without making real commitments, especially since Italy’s own military spending is among the lowest in Europe.
Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, European nations have been slow to increase their defense budgets. Currently, the EU spends about 1.8% of its GDP on defense, which is below the NATO target of 2%. Analysts warn that it could take years for Europe to build the military capabilities needed to defend itself without U.S. support.
While some European leaders are calling for a clearer plan for American military presence in Europe, many governments show little urgency in enhancing their own defenses. This lack of action comes even as Russia has been increasing its military spending significantly.
The situation highlights a growing concern among U.S. policymakers. As European nations continue to rely heavily on American military support, there is a call for Europe to take more responsibility for its own defense. With rising U.S. debt and military expenditures, the American public may not support funding European defense efforts indefinitely.
Kallas, Meloni, and others in Europe may need to reconsider their approaches. The expectation that the U.S. will always come to their aid could be unrealistic. As the geopolitical landscape shifts, it may be time for Europe to step up and take charge of its own defense.