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 matters, 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 measures does Kaja Kallas believe the EU should implement to hold China accountable for its support of Russia without jeopardizing crucial trade relations?
**Interview with Kaja Kallas, EU Foreign Affairs Chief**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Kaja Kallas, and thank you for joining us today. Recently, in a session at the EU Parliament, you emphasized that China must pay a higher price for supplying Russia with materials for weapon production. Can you elaborate on the implications of this stance?
**Kallas:** Thank you for having me. My assertion reflects a critical understanding that without China’s backing, Russia would struggle to sustain its military operations in Ukraine. This dependency on Chinese supplies adds a layer of responsibility for China, especially as we see the consequences of prolonged conflict.
**Interviewer:** You also highlighted the need for caution regarding peace solutions in Ukraine, particularly against the backdrop of potential negotiations led by the incoming US President Donald Trump. What risks do you associate with pursuing a quick peace?
**Kallas:** There is a significant difference between genuine peace and a mere cessation of hostilities. Quick solutions often come with compromises that may require Ukraine to concede territory to Russia—territory that was unjustly taken. History shows us that Russia has repeatedly violated peace agreements, so we must be wary of any arrangements that allow aggression to yield rewards.
**Interviewer:** You emphasize the importance of unity among EU member states in addressing geopolitical challenges. What steps do you believe are necessary for the EU to strengthen its collective stance?
**Kallas:** The world is indeed facing tremendous challenges, and unity is paramount. We need to ensure that our 27 member states align on key foreign policy issues to present a unified front. This requires ongoing dialogue, shared strategic interests, and a commitment to standing firm against aggression. Only then can we have a stronger geopolitical weight on the global stage.
**Interviewer:** considering your views on strengthening EU solidarity, how do you respond to critics who argue that a tougher stance against China may strain EU-China relations, which are also important for trade and cooperation?
**Kallas:** It’s a valid concern. However, we must balance our economic interests with our moral and strategic imperatives. Effective engagement with China doesn’t exclude the possibility of holding them accountable for actions that undermine global stability. The EU can still pursue constructive dialogue while being clear about the consequences of their support for Russian aggression.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Kaja Kallas, for sharing your insights with us today.
**Debate Question:** Given the geopolitical complexities posed by China’s support for Russia, do you believe the EU should prioritize sanctions against China even at the risk of economic repercussions, or should diplomatic relations take precedence? Your thoughts?