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 are Kaja Kallas’s primary concerns about China’s support for Russia in the context of the Ukraine conflict, and how does she believe it affects the European Union’s geopolitical strategy?
**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 involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Can you elaborate on your views about the implications of China’s support for Russia?
**Kaja Kallas:** Thank you for having me. It’s clear that China’s provision of materials enabling Russia to produce weapons significantly bolsters their military capacity. Without this support, Russia would struggle to sustain its offensive in Ukraine. We must recognize that China’s actions directly impact the conflict’s dynamics, and thus they must face higher consequences for their role.
**Interviewer:** You’ve raised concerns about a ‘quick peace’ settlement, especially in light of incoming U.S. leadership. What risks do you believe that would pose for Ukraine?
**Kaja Kallas:** A quick peace could potentially mean Ukraine is pressured to cede territory to Russia, which has historical precedents of being disregarded once agreements are made. We need to differentiate between a superficial peace and a sustainable resolution. We need a solution that doesn’t simply reward aggression, as that could set a dangerous example globally.
**Interviewer:** You emphasized the importance of a united EU front. How crucial do you think EU cohesion is for effectively addressing these geopolitical tensions?
**Kaja Kallas:** Unity among the EU’s 27 member states is essential. Divergent opinions can weaken our collective geopolitical stance. As we face global challenges, presenting a united front will enhance our influence and effectiveness. If we don’t stand together, we risk emboldening aggressors who think they can act with impunity.
**Interviewer:** Given the current tensions and the evolving international landscape, how do you envision a path forward for the EU in dealing with both Russia and China?
**Kaja Kallas:** The EU must adopt a strategic approach that combines diplomatic pressure with robust support for Ukraine. We must leverage our economic weight and engage in comprehensive dialogue with our partners while ensuring that we don’t compromise on fundamental principles regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Prime Minister Kallas, for sharing your insights. Before we conclude, I’d like to pose a question to our audience: Do you think the EU should impose tougher sanctions on China due to its support for Russia? What implications could this have on international relations? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
