China must pay a higher price for supplying Russia with materials that enable them to produce weapons, Kallas maintained when she was grilled in the EU Parliament on Tuesday, according to the news agency DPA.
– Without China’s support, Russia would not be able to continue the war with the same strength, Kallas stated.
Warns against quick peace
The inquiry is part of the process of being approved. That the parliament will give the thumbs up is, however, beyond doubt after EU member states this summer stood behind the Estonian 47-year-old’s candidacy.
Kallas, who is considered a hawk on Russia, also promises to support Ukraine “as long as necessary”, as well as to build a bridge to the incoming US President Donald Trump.
At the same time, she warns against a quick peace solution in Ukraine, as Trump has said he will achieve.
It could mean that Ukraine must cede territory to Russia.
– There is a difference between peace and peace, says Kallas and points out that previous peace agreements with Russia have been broken. A quick peace could create new problems, she believes.
Must stand together
– We want a sustainable peace. Because if we just give in and tell the aggressor “ok, just take what you want”, then aggressors all over the world will be told that it can pay off, says Kallas, according to Ritzau.
She also believes that it is very important that the EU’s 27 member states, who can have rather divergent opinions on various matters, stand more united in order to give the union more geopolitical weight.
– The world is on fire, so we have to stick together, she says.
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How does Kaja Kallas envision achieving unity among EU member states while addressing diverse opinions on geopolitical challenges?
**Interview with European Union Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Kaja. You recently emphasized in the EU Parliament that China needs to bear greater consequences for its support of Russia, particularly in relation to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Can you elaborate on why you believe this is crucial?
**Kaja Kallas**: Absolutely. China’s supply of materials that aid Russia in weapon production is a significant factor allowing Russia to maintain its military operations. Without this support, Russia’s ability to continue the war at its current strength would be severely compromised. We cannot ignore the role that third countries play in this conflict, and it’s vital that we hold them accountable.
**Editor**: You’ve also warned against pursuing a quick peace in Ukraine, as suggested by some voices, including incoming U.S. President Donald Trump. What are your concerns about such an approach?
**Kaja Kallas**: My concerns stem from historical precedents. We’ve seen agreements with Russia in the past that have been broken, leading to further instability. A rapid peace could potentially force Ukraine to cede territory, which would embolden aggressors not just in Europe, but around the world. We need a sustainable peace that does not reward aggression.
**Editor**: You stress the importance of unity among EU member states in facing these geopolitical challenges. How do you envision this unity being achieved given the diverse opinions within the bloc?
**Kaja Kallas**: It’s essential for us to present a united front. With 27 member states, there will naturally be differing opinions. However, the current global landscape demands that we align our strategies and responses. We must convey that standing together is not just beneficial, but necessary in achieving our goals and ensuring security.
**Editor**: as the situation evolves, how do you see the EU’s role in supporting Ukraine and addressing China’s involvement?
**Kaja Kallas**: The EU has a critical role to play, not just in supporting Ukraine through direct assistance but also in leading international efforts to deter harmful actions from countries like China. Our stance must reflect a commitment to upholding international laws and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
**Editor**: Thank you, Kaja, for your insights. Now, dear readers, what are your thoughts on Kallas’ stance regarding China’s role in supporting Russia? Do you believe that the EU should take a harder line against China, and how do you view the prospect of a quick peace in Ukraine? Let’s discuss!
