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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**1. What are the potential consequences for global stability if the EU fails to address China’s support for Russia as outlined by Kaja Kallas?**
**Interview with EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Ms. Kallas. Your recent comments at the EU Parliament have sparked considerable debate. You insisted that China should face higher costs for its support of Russia in the ongoing conflict. Can you elaborate on why you believe this is essential?
**Kaja Kallas:** Certainly. As I’ve stated, without China’s backing, Russia would struggle to sustain its military efforts. It’s crucial for us to recognize how intertwined these relationships are. If we don’t hold China accountable, we are essentially allowing them to play a significant role in prolonging this war.
**Interviewer:** You also warned against the notion of a quick peace agreement in Ukraine, especially in light of incoming efforts from U.S. President Donald Trump. What are your concerns there?
**Kaja Kallas:** Quick peace is often misleading. There is a vital distinction between genuine peace and a temporary halt to conflict. Historical precedents show that many agreements with Russia have been broken, leading to further complications. A rushed deal could forcibly cede territory to Russia, which in the long run undermines sovereignty and stability in the region.
**Interviewer:** You emphasize the importance of unity among EU member states to enhance geopolitical strength. What do you envision for the EU in this regard?
**Kaja Kallas:** The world is indeed in turmoil, and it’s crucial for the EU’s 27 member states to present a united front. Disparate opinions can weaken our position on the global stage. We need to collaborate more effectively to formulate coherent strategies around critical issues like Russia’s aggression and our response to China’s actions.
**Interviewer:** to foster a broader discussion among our readers: What do you think will be the impact of ignoring China’s role in the conflict? Will the EU’s stance change with the new U.S. administration, or are we at risk of encouraging further aggression globally?
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How do you feel about Ms. Kallas’s implications that China’s support for Russia must come at a cost? Is there an argument to be made for engaging with China rather than confronting them directly? What might the implications be for international relations if the EU chooses to act on her recommendations?