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 challenges does Kaja Kallas foresee in unifying EU member states’ perspectives on security issues, especially concerning Russia and China?
**Interview with Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister of Estonia and EU Foreign Affairs Chief**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Prime Minister Kallas. You recently emphasized the need for China to bear a higher cost for its support of Russia’s military efforts. Can you elaborate on why you believe this is crucial?
**Kaja Kallas:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential to recognize that without China’s substantial support, Russia would struggle to sustain its war efforts at their current intensity. Holding China accountable is about addressing the broader implications of their actions on global security. We need to send a clear message that enabling aggression has consequences.
**Interviewer:** You also warned against a quick peace agreement in Ukraine. Why do you think such a resolution could be detrimental?
**Kaja Kallas:** Quick fixes might appear attractive but can lead to long-term instability. Historical instances show that treaties signed with Russia have often been disregarded. If Ukraine feels pressured to cede territory now, it could embolden aggressors not just in Europe but elsewhere, creating a precedent that geopolitical bullying pays off.
**Interviewer:** You assert the importance of unity among EU member states. How do you envision achieving this given their diverse opinions?
**Kaja Kallas:** It starts with open dialogue and understanding our collective stakes in stability. The EU must project a united front; otherwise, we risk losing geopolitical weight in a world where challenges are increasingly interconnected. When we stand together, we strengthen our voice on the global stage.
**Interviewer:** In the context of your discussions with the incoming US administration, how do you think US policies might influence the EU’s response to both Russia and China?
**Kaja Kallas:** Coordination with the US is vital. If the new administration advocates for immediate peace negotiations, we’ll need to ensure that such initiatives align with our long-term vision for security and sovereignty in Ukraine. A shared understanding will help us navigate these complex relationships with both Russia and China effectively.
**Interviewer:** As we consider the potential consequences of these geopolitical dynamics, what should ordinary citizens keep in mind?
**Kaja Kallas:** It’s crucial that citizens understand the stakes involved. The decisions made today will impact future generations. A robust democracy can only thrive when we hold our leaders accountable for their choices, especially relating to peace and security. Engaging in dialogue about these issues at all levels can foster a more informed citizenry.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Prime Minister Kallas. Your insights into the geopolitical landscape are invaluable as we navigate these challenging times.
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**Debate Question for Readers:**
Given Prime Minister Kallas’s emphasis on holding China accountable for its support of Russia, do you believe that EU nations should adopt a tougher stance on China, or could such measures risk escalating tensions further? What are your thoughts on balancing accountability with diplomacy in international relations?