WARSAW, Wednesday, March 4, 2026 (WNP): The European Union has expressed serious concern over the widening conflict in the Middle East, warning that the escalation could destabilize the broader region while diverting global attention from the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Speaking at a press conference following the informal ministerial meeting of the Council of the Baltic Sea States in Warsaw, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said the situation was rapidly deteriorating and posed direct risks to European security and citizens.

“The war in the Middle East is rapidly widening,” Kallas said, adding that the strategy of Iran appeared aimed at spreading instability across the region by targeting neighboring states. She said such developments were creating uncertainty about the future direction of the conflict.

Kallas warned that thousands of European citizens currently in the region could be affected by the escalation. She said the European Union was coordinating consular assistance and arranging repatriation flights to help citizens return home safely, while European naval missions were working to protect international shipping routes.

The EU diplomat said an extraordinary meeting between EU foreign ministers and ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council would take place to discuss possible responses and ways to contain the conflict.

Despite the growing crisis in the Middle East, Kallas emphasized that Europe could not allow the war in Ukraine to fade from international focus. She noted that the same types of drones used in attacks across the Gulf region were also being used against Ukrainian cities, including the capital.

“There are no signs that Russia’s war is slowing,” she said, referring to the ongoing conflict involving Russia.

According to Kallas, Moscow’s demands remained unchanged, and Europe must articulate its position clearly to ensure a sustainable and long-term peace.

She reiterated that respect for international borders, compensation for war damages, and the return of Ukrainian children taken during the conflict must remain central issues in any future negotiations.

Kallas also announced that EU ministers had agreed on continued financial support for Kyiv, including a €90 billion loan package aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and economic resilience.

At the same time, the EU plans to intensify sanctions on Russia, including a proposed ban on maritime services linked to Russian oil exports, which European officials believe could significantly reduce Moscow’s ability to finance the war.

Addressing broader security concerns, Kallas said Europe must significantly increase investment in defense capabilities and accelerate weapons production, particularly air defense systems that are currently in short supply across Western countries.

“The Middle East war shows that Europe must invest in defense capabilities and boost defense production,” she said, adding that stronger European security would ultimately reinforce the transatlantic alliance.

During the question-and-answer session, Kallas also warned that rising oil prices due to the Middle East conflict could indirectly benefit Russia by increasing revenues used to fund its military operations.

EU officials said discussions also touched on maritime security in the Baltic Sea, sanctions targeting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, and preparations for the upcoming North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit.

Kallas concluded that while the geopolitical environment remains unpredictable, Europe must remain united in addressing simultaneous crises in the Middle East and Eastern Europe while ensuring the safety of its citizens and the stability of global trade routes.