EU High Representative Kaja Kallas announced that European diplomats will visit Damascus to engage with Syria’s new leadership. Speaking in Brussels ahead of the EU Foreign Ministers Meeting, Kallas emphasized the importance of aligning words with actions in shaping future relations with Syria.
The meeting, the first since Kallas assumed office, will focus on the EU’s approach to the evolving situation in Syria. “It’s not just about what they say but also what they do,” Kallas stated.
US President Donald Trump warned that Russia will face severe economic sanctions unless it agrees to a ceasefire in Ukraine within 50 days. “My call to Putin is clear. If a meaningful ceasefire is not reached, we will impose 100% secondary tariffs,” Trump said after meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House.
Trump added that the sanctions would also target countries trading with Russia and stressed he would bypass Congress if necessary. He blamed the ongoing war on President Joe Biden’s policies and stated, “This is not my war. I’m here to end it.”
He also announced that the US would supply NATO with advanced weapons, but insisted that European countries must cover the costs. “European countries will pay,” he said, promising rapid delivery of air defense systems and munitions to Ukraine.
TR