Kallas spoke shortly after Poland announced the closure of Russia’s last consulate in response to recent railway sabotage, an act Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk attributed to Ukrainians acting for Russia.
This incident is part of a series of hybrid attacks affecting Europe, including Russian warplane airspace violations, airport drone disruptions, and various cyber attacks and vandalism.
European countries are discussing possible reactions, with some leaders urging a decisive response identifying Russia as the perpetrator while others caution against overreacting and alarming the public.
“Our response depends on two factors,” Kallas noted. “They aim to instill fear in our societies; an excessive response could heighten this fear, aligning with Russia’s intentions. We must adopt a balanced approach,” she explained.
Kallas emphasized the need for Europe to present a unified front to Russia, signaling that such attacks won’t go unpunished, while also reassuring the public of their safety.
Her statement mirrored Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s advice in POLITICO earlier: “Remain calm. Exhibit more sisu [grit]. Stay composed.”
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