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 main reasons for advocating stronger consequences against China for its support of Russia in the Ukraine conflict?
**Interview with Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister of Estonia**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Prime Minister Kallas. You’ve stated recently in the EU Parliament that China should face stronger consequences for its support of Russia during the ongoing war in Ukraine. Can you elaborate on why you believe this is necessary?
**Kaja Kallas:** Thank you for having me. My main point is that without China’s assistance, Russia would struggle to sustain its military efforts. We cannot allow any nation to prop up aggression against another. The support from China enables Russia to continue its actions with greater strength, which poses a significant threat not just to Ukraine, but to European stability as a whole.
**Interviewer:** You’ve also expressed concern about a quick peace deal, suggesting it could require Ukraine to cede territory to Russia. Why is this a potential danger?
**Kaja Kallas:** Precisely because history has shown us that quick agreements often lead to future conflicts. We must differentiate between false peace and real, sustainable solutions. A rapid settlement might encourage Russia to continue its aggressive behavior, believing it can take more land without consequences. We have to remember that agreements made with aggressors like Russia can be broken easily.
**Interviewer:** You emphasized the importance of unity among EU member states. How do you see this unity manifesting in relation to the crisis in Ukraine and the geopolitical challenges we face?
**Kaja Kallas:** Unity is crucial. The EU has 27 member countries, each with its own perspectives and interests, but in times like these, we must present a strong, united front. Only by standing together can we enhance our geopolitical influence and ensure that we are taken seriously on the world stage. We need to be clear that aggression cannot be rewarded; otherwise, we risk emboldening hostile nations across the globe.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message would you like to send to the citizens of Europe regarding this ongoing crisis?
**Kaja Kallas:** I want to assure them that we are committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary. This is not just about one country; it is about upholding values like sovereignty, democracy, and the international rules-based order. We must be vigilant and united in our response, as the stakes are incredibly high. The world is indeed on fire, and now is the time for solidarity.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Prime Minister Kallas, for sharing your insights with us today.
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**Debate Question for Readers:** Given Kaja Kallas’s arguments about the need for stronger measures against China and the risks of a quick peace with Russia, do you believe that the EU should impose stricter sanctions on China, or should diplomatic avenues be prioritized to avoid escalating tensions further? Share your thoughts in the comments!
