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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What specific measures does Kaja Kallas believe the EU should implement to hold China accountable for its support of Russia, and how might these measures affect EU-China relations?
**Interview with Kaja Kallas, Estonian Prime Minister and EU Foreign Affairs Chief**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Prime Minister Kallas. Recently, you emphasized the need for China to face greater consequences for its support of Russia in the ongoing conflict. Can you elaborate on why you believe this is crucial?
**Kaja Kallas:** Certainly. Without China’s material support, Russia would struggle to sustain its military campaign in Ukraine. It’s essential that we make it clear to China that enabling aggression has repercussions. Escalating costs for them would signal that the international community does not tolerate complicity in war crimes.
**Interviewer:** You also expressed concern about the idea of a quick peace in Ukraine, especially considering the incoming US administration’s potential approach. Can you explain your position on this?
**Kaja Kallas:** Yes, I believe there’s a distinction between a superficial peace and a sustainable one. A quick resolution could lead to territorial concessions by Ukraine, effectively rewarding Russia’s aggression. History has shown us that agreements with Russia can easily be broken. We cannot allow this to repeat itself, as it would only encourage similar behavior from other aggressors worldwide.
**Interviewer:** You’re calling for unity among EU member states during these turbulent times. How do you envision that happening given the varying opinions among the countries?
**Kaja Kallas:** It is critical for the EU to present a united front. Our strength in geopolitical matters is directly related to our cohesion. This means engaging in open discussions to align our strategies and ensuring that all member states understand the stakes involved. The world is indeed on fire, and a fragmented EU will only diminish our collective influence.
**Interviewer:** as an EU leader advocating for support to Ukraine, what message would you like to convey to the public regarding the current situation?
**Kaja Kallas:** I want the public to recognize the importance of sustained support for Ukraine. It isn’t just about aiding one nation; it’s about standing firm against tyranny and sending a clear message that we will not allow aggressors to dictate terms. If we compromise now, we pave the way for future conflicts. We must strive for a peace that is durable and just.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Prime Minister Kallas, for your insights. It’s clear the stakes are high, and the international community’s response will be pivotal in shaping the future.
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**Debate Question for Readers:**
Considering Prime Minister Kallas’s emphasis on the need for consequences for China’s actions and her warning against a quick peace in Ukraine, how do you think the EU should balance its approach to support Ukraine while addressing its relationship with China? Should the potential for political compromise outweigh the dangers of rewarding aggression? Share your thoughts below!