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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How does Kaja Kallas envision the EU’s role in fostering a sustainable peace in Ukraine while navigating the complexities of international relations with both Russia and China?
**Interview with EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Madam Kallas. Recently, you made strong statements in the EU Parliament regarding China’s support for Russia in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Could you elaborate on your views about the consequences of this support?
**Kaja Kallas:** Absolutely. I firmly believe that China must bear a higher responsibility for its role in supplying Russia with materials that bolster its military capabilities. Without this support, Russia would struggle to sustain its current level of aggression in Ukraine. It’s crucial for the international community to recognize the significant impact of these supplies in prolonging the war.
**Interviewer:** You also emphasized the dangers of pursuing a quick peace solution. What specific outcomes do you fear could arise from such an approach?
**Kaja Kallas:** A hasty peace could lead to detrimental compromises, potentially requiring Ukraine to concede territory to Russia. We must remember that Russia has a history of disregarding agreements made in previous peace processes. My concern is that a flawed agreement could create a false sense of security and lead to further conflict down the line.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the importance of a sustainable peace. How do you propose the EU can strengthen its geopolitical stance in light of these challenges?
**Kaja Kallas:** It’s imperative that the EU’s 27 member states present a united front. Divergent opinions can weaken our collective influence. By standing together, we not only reinforce our position but also send a clear message to aggressors that we will not tolerate violations of territorial integrity. In these turbulent times, unity is our greatest asset.
**Interviewer:** Given the shifting political landscape, especially with the upcoming US presidential administration, how do you see the relationship between the EU and the US evolving in this context?
**Kaja Kallas:** We must ensure that our support for Ukraine remains steadfast, regardless of changes in US leadership. I am committed to fostering strong ties and dialogue with any US administration, including the incoming president. It’s important that we coordinate our strategies to support Ukraine and address challenges posed by adversarial states like Russia.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how should the global community respond to China’s actions in this context?
**Kaja Kallas:** The global community needs to elevate the conversation around accountability. It’s essential that we apply diplomatic and economic pressure on nations that enable aggression. This is crucial not just for the stability of Ukraine, but for upholding international norms that safeguard peace globally.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Madam Kallas, for your insights. As we reflect on your statements, readers, what do you think should be the implications for international relations if China continues to support Russia? Should the EU adopt tougher sanctions, or is engagement a better path forward? Let’s discuss.
