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 key factors does Kaja Kallas believe are necessary for achieving a sustainable peace in Ukraine, and how do they relate to the EU’s foreign policy towards China?
**Interview with Kaja Kallas: EU’s Stance on China and the War in Ukraine**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Kaja Kallas. Recently, you’ve been quite vocal in the EU Parliament regarding China’s role in supplying materials to Russia. You’ve emphasized that “China must pay a higher price” for these actions. Can you elaborate on why this is crucial for the EU?
**Kaja Kallas:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. China’s support is pivotal for Russia’s war efforts; without it, their capacity to continue the conflict would be significantly diminished. Therefore, it is essential that we hold China accountable and impose consequences for their support, which undermines global security and the principles of sovereignty.
**Interviewer:** You’ve raised concerns about the notion of a quick peace in Ukraine, especially with the potential upcoming dialog with the new US administration under Donald Trump. What are your main reservations about this approach?
**Kaja Kallas:** My concerns stem from the historical context. Quick peace solutions often lead to compromises that favor aggressors, as seen in past agreements with Russia that were quickly broken. Ceding territory in exchange for a temporary ceasefire only sets the stage for future conflicts. We need a sustainable peace that ensures Ukraine’s territorial integrity and deters future aggression.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned unity among EU member states in addressing these challenges. How do you envision achieving a cohesive foreign policy given the diverse opinions within the EU?
**Kaja Kallas:** It’s vital that we recognize our shared interests and responsibilities. To enhance our global standing, we must present a united front. This means engaging in open dialog to bridge our differences and finding common ground, particularly on matters such as the Ukraine conflict and our stance towards China.
**Interviewer:** As a final thought, how do you think the public should engage with these issues, and what role do you see for citizens in shaping the EU’s foreign policy?
**Kaja Kallas:** Public engagement is essential. Citizens should advocate for policies that promote peace and security while ensuring accountability for those who threaten them. I encourage people to remain informed and voice their opinions to their representatives. The strength of our democratic processes lies in active and informed participation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Kaja Kallas, for your insights. Before we conclude, I’d love to hear from our readers: Do you agree with Kallas that failing to hold China accountable for its support of Russia could embolden aggressors globally? What should the EU’s next steps be in this complex geopolitical landscape? Let’s discuss.
