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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What specific actions does Prime Minister Kaja Kallas propose for the EU to hold China accountable for its support of Russia in the ongoing conflict?
**Interview with Kaja Kallas, Estonian Prime Minister, on EU Foreign Policy and Relations with China**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Prime Minister Kallas. You recently emphasized the need for the EU to take a tougher stance on China’s support for Russia. Can you elaborate on why you believe China should bear a higher cost for supplying materials that empower Russia in the ongoing conflict?
**Kaja Kallas:** Thank you for having me. It’s imperative that we understand the extent of China’s role in sustaining Russia’s military capabilities. Without Chinese support, Russia would not be able to maintain its current level of aggressiveness in the war. By not holding China accountable, we risk allowing them to undermine international order and enable further aggression from Russia.
**Interviewer:** You’ve warned against quick peace negotiations in Ukraine, particularly in light of statements from the incoming U.S. president, Donald Trump. What are your main concerns about a rapid resolution?
**Kaja Kallas:** My main concern is that a quick peace could come at a significant cost to Ukraine, potentially requiring them to cede territory to an aggressor. History shows us that previous agreements with Russia have been broken. We need to distinguish between a superficial peace and a sustainable one. If we simply capitulate, we will encourage aggressors worldwide to think they can achieve their goals through force.
**Interviewer:** You highlighted the importance of unity among EU member states. How can you persuade countries with differing views to adopt a more cohesive foreign policy?
**Kaja Kallas:** It’s vital that we recognize the global context—our world is indeed “on fire.” We must prioritize the collective strength of the EU to enhance our geopolitical influence. By fostering open dialogues and highlighting the shared threats we face, I believe we can build a stronger, more unified approach. A disjointed response only empowers our adversaries.
**Interviewer:** Your statements imply a call for action. How do you envision the EU should approach its foreign policy differently moving forward?
**Kaja Kallas:** The EU must adopt a proactive rather than reactive stance. We need to implement clear consequences for states that support aggression, like China and Russia, and work towards strengthening defensive alliances. Our policies should reflect a commitment to upholding international law and mitigating threats to peace and stability.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Prime Minister Kallas. Your insights are illuminating. As we wrap up, what should readers consider about the implications of these geopolitical dynamics on their lives?
**Kaja Kallas:** I encourage readers to consider how interconnected our world has become. The actions taken by powerful nations can have rippling effects far beyond their borders. We must engage in discussions about peace, security, and the responsibilities of nations. What kind of world do we want to live in? It’s essential for citizens to voice their opinions and advocate for policies that promote stability and justice.
**Interviewer:** A thought-provoking conclusion. Viewers, do you believe the EU should adopt a harder stance on China and Russia, and what are your thoughts on the potential risks of a quick peace in Ukraine? Let us know your opinions!
