Eighty years ago, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki changed the course of human history in just a few days.
As Europe marks this solemn milestone, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas delivers a clear message: the horrors of nuclear warfare must never be repeated.
In her official statement, Kallas reflects on the enduring legacy of August 1945—not only as a moment of immense tragedy but also as a turning point that underscored the devastating human and geopolitical costs of nuclear conflict. Today, her words carry renewed urgency.
“A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought,”
Kallas reiterated, reaffirming the EU’s unwavering support for global disarmament efforts.
Why This Moment Matters
The timing of this anniversary arrives amid a troubling backdrop of:
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Rising nuclear rhetoric among major powers
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Expanding nuclear arsenals in opaque regimes
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The looming expiration of the New START Treaty in 2026
These developments threaten decades of progress on arms control. Kallas warns that without renewed diplomatic engagement, the world could spiral into a new arms race.
Concerns Highlighted by the EU:
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The erosion of nuclear treaties like the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
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The need to strengthen international moratoriums on nuclear testing
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The importance of preserving peace through cooperation, not escalation
The Human Cost Behind the Headlines
More than 200,000 people died as a result of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings.
Survivors, known as hibakusha, still share their stories, reminding us that these aren’t just historical facts—they are deeply personal legacies of loss, survival, and resilience.
| The Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiroshima Bombing | August 6, 1945 |
| Nagasaki Bombing | August 9, 1945 |
| Estimated Civilian Casualties | Over 200,000 deaths |
| Treaty at Risk | New START (expires February 2026) |
| EU Position | Strongly supports NPT & Comprehensive Test Ban |
Europe’s Responsibility Today
As nuclear risks resurface, Kallas stresses that disarmament is a shared responsibility—not a choice.
The European Union stands ready to lead with its allies by:
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Defending multilateral agreements
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Advocating for transparency and diplomacy
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Investing in long-term peacebuilding
Her call to action appeals especially to younger generations in Europe—many of whom have grown up in relative peace but now face a shifting global landscape.
The Path Forward
Kallas’s message is ultimately one of hope and determination. By remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki, she believes the international community can avoid repeating its darkest chapters.
“We owe it to the victims,” she says,
“to ensure that this legacy serves as a foundation for peace.”
Sources: European Union.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
