High Representative Kaja Kallas, in a written answer on 29 June 2026, defended the European Union's continued economic, political and military support for Ukraine, following an incident where a Ukrainian floating drone loaded with explosives was discovered off the Greek island of Lefkada. The answer, addressed to Greek MEP Kostas Papadakis (NI), rejects calls to halt EU assistance, instead blaming Russia's aggression for the security risks facing Europe.
The question, submitted on 18 May 2026, cited the drone incident as evidence that EU support for Ukraine endangers European security. Papadakis noted that Greece lies at the convergence of two fronts of what he called the 'imperialist war' and that the EU has provided over €194 billion to Ukraine, trained 84,000 Ukrainian soldiers, and included Ukraine in the SAFE programme. He also pointed to a recent EU war compensation mechanism for Ukraine, which he said allows EU businesses to profit from reconstruction.
In her response, Kallas stated that Ukraine has apologised to Greece over the incident, attributing it to circumstances arising from Russia's invasion and reaffirming its commitment to international law and maritime safety. She emphasised that the EU remains committed to supporting Ukraine until a comprehensive, just and lasting peace is achieved, in line with UN Charter principles. The answer highlights the recent adoption of the 20th sanctions package against Russia and a €90 billion Ukraine support loan as evidence of the EU's determination.
Kallas's answer contains no new concrete proposals or numerical targets, instead reiterating existing policy commitments. It signals no shift in the EU's stance, maintaining full support for Ukraine while pressuring Russia. The incident near Lefkada, which Papadakis described as a near-fatal danger, is framed by the Commission as an unintended consequence of Russia's war, not a reason to reconsider EU policy. No further institutional follow-up is indicated beyond continued implementation of existing sanctions and aid packages.