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 impact do you believe EU unity will have on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine?
**Interview with Kaja Kallas, EU Foreign Affairs Chief**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Kaja. You’ve stated that China must pay a higher price for its role in supplying Russia with materials for weapons. Can you elaborate on why you believe this is crucial?
**Kaja Kallas:** Certainly. China’s support is pivotal for Russia’s ongoing military efforts. Without it, we wouldn’t see the same level of aggression from Moscow. My comments in the EU Parliament highlighted the need for accountability and consequences for nations that assist aggressors in conflict. Punishing such actions is not just about the present situation; it’s about setting a precedent for the future.
**Interviewer:** You also cautioned against a quick peace solution in Ukraine. Can you explain your concerns about this approach?
**Kaja Kallas:** Absolutely. While peace is desirable, it’s vital to differentiate between a legitimate peace and one that compromises the sovereignty of a nation. We have seen past agreements breached by Russia, and a rushed peace could lead Ukraine to concede territory, setting a dangerous precedent. We advocate for sustainable peace—one that does not reward aggression.
**Interviewer:** You’ve called for unity among EU member states. How important is this in the current geopolitical climate?
**Kaja Kallas:** Unity is essential. The world is facing numerous threats, and if we allow our differing opinions to fracture our collective stance, we risk losing our geopolitical weight. A united EU can negotiate and respond more effectively. It’s about demonstrating to aggressors that the cost of their actions will be high, and they cannot exploit divisions within Europe.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Kaja. To our readers: Do you agree that holding China accountable is essential for global stability? What implications do you think a united EU stance could have on the Russia-Ukraine conflict? Let’s hear your thoughts!
