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 issues, 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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**Interview with Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister of Estonia**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Prime Minister Kallas. You’ve recently made strong statements in the EU Parliament regarding China’s role in supporting Russia’s war efforts. Can you elaborate on why you believe China should face a higher price for supplying materials to Russia?
**Kaja Kallas:** Thank you for having me. My position is quite clear: without the materials and support from China, Russia would not sustain its military operations as effectively. It’s vital for the international community to recognize that any support for the aggressor undermines efforts towards peace and stability. By holding China accountable, we can deter aggressive actions and encourage a more stable geopolitical climate.
**Interviewer:** You’ve expressed concerns over calls for a quick peace settlement in Ukraine. Can you clarify your stance on this?
**Kaja Kallas:** Absolutely. A hasty peace could compel Ukraine to surrender territory, leading to a flawed solution that may eventually breed more conflict. History has shown us that agreements with Russia can quickly fall apart. We need to differentiate between a superficial peace and a sustainable one. If we simply acquiesce to aggressors, we risk encouraging similar behavior globally.
**Interviewer:** You also mentioned the importance of unity among EU member states. Why is this crucial at this moment?
**Kaja Kallas:** The world is facing multiple crises, and it’s imperative that the EU presents a united front. Diverging opinions can weaken our geopolitical influence. By standing together, we enhance our capacity to tackle challenges effectively and advocate for a just resolution in Ukraine and beyond.
**Interviewer:** If you had to summarize your call to action for EU leaders regarding this situation, what would it be?
**Kaja Kallas:** I urge my fellow leaders to recognize the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences of inaction or premature concessions. We must advocate for a comprehensive approach that ensures both accountability for aggressors and support for those defending their sovereignty.
**Interviewer:** As we wrap up, what message do you hope resonates with the public regarding the EU’s stance on Russia and China?
**Kaja Kallas:** I hope people understand that our current actions will shape the future of international relations. We cannot simply accept the status quo. We need a robust response to aggression—both to support Ukraine and to deter future conflicts. Unity is our strength, and it is crucial now more than ever.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Prime Minister Kallas, for sharing your insights with us today.
**Question for Readers:** Do you agree with Prime Minister Kallas that China should face consequences for its support of Russia, and what do you think should be the EU’s priority in responding to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine? Share your thoughts and join the debate!