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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How does Prime Minister Kaja Kallas propose to reconcile divergent opinions among EU member states to strengthen the EU’s geopolitical stance against aggression?
**Interview with Kaja Kallas, Estonian Prime Minister**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us, Prime Minister Kallas. You recently emphasized the need for China to face consequences for its support of Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Can you elaborate on why you believe this is crucial?
**Kaja Kallas**: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we acknowledge China’s role in enabling Russia’s military capabilities. Without the materials and support from China, Russia would struggle to sustain its aggressive actions. This complicity must not go unanswered if we are to maintain a credible stance against authoritarianism and aggression globally.
**Interviewer**: You’ve warned against a quick peace settlement in Ukraine, especially with the possibility of territorial concessions. What are the dangers you see here?
**Kaja Kallas**: The risk is significant. A rapid peace might superficially end the fighting, but it can lead to more extensive issues down the road. History shows us that Russia often violates agreements once they’ve gained what they seek. A sustainable peace must not reward aggression, or we risk setting a dangerous precedent for other aggressors worldwide.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned the importance of EU unity in facing these challenges. Can you expand on how divergent opinions among member states can be reconciled to strengthen the EU’s geopolitical stance?
**Kaja Kallas**: It requires a concerted effort and dialog among all member states. While we all have different perspectives, the current global landscape, especially given the actions of countries like Russia and China, necessitates a unified front. By collaborating and finding common ground, we can enhance our geopolitical influence and respond more effectively to international threats.
**Interviewer**: As you prepare for potential policy shifts under the incoming US administration, what are your hopes for transatlantic relations?
**Kaja Kallas**: I hope for continued support for Ukraine and a firm stance against aggression, regardless of changes in leadership. Building a bridge to the new administration will be crucial, and I believe that our shared values and commitment to democracy will help us navigate any challenges ahead.
**Interviewer**: with the world facing so many crises, how do you maintain hope for a positive outcome in Ukraine and beyond?
**Kaja Kallas**: Hope lies in our resolve to stand together. The world is indeed “on fire,” as I stated, but by uniting our efforts and advocating for sustainable solutions, we can promote peace and security. It requires a steadfast commitment to our principles and the courage to confront those who seek to undermine them.
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**Debate Question for Readers**: Given Prime Minister Kallas’s perspective on the need for stronger measures against China and her warnings against a hasty peace in Ukraine, do you think the EU should prioritize punitive actions against those enabling Russia’s war efforts, or focus on negotiations for peace even if it means compromising? What are your thoughts?