Kaja Kallas, the new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union, emphasized that China would need to pay a “higher price” for supporting Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine. During her testimony before the European Parliament, Kallas stressed that Ukraine’s victory is a “priority for all of us” and that the EU must continue providing military, financial, and humanitarian support to Ukraine for as long as necessary. She also pointed out that the United States has a vested interest in Ukraine’s success, especially given the collaboration between Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. She noted that if the U.S. is concerned about China or other actors, it should also focus on how the West responds to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Regarding the EU’s defense policy, Kallas called for a “drastic review” of the EU’s defense posture, especially as the West cannot accept that countries like Russia, Iran, and North Korea are producing more ammunition than the entire Euro-Atlantic community. She underscored the importance of a stronger European defense industry, while warning against duplicating NATO’s military role.
Kallas also stated that Europe needs to send a strong signal to China about the consequences of its support for Russia, though she did not provide further details on what this “higher price” would entail.
In her remarks, Kallas spoke about her personal experience growing up behind the Iron Curtain in Soviet-occupied Estonia, where her mother was deported to Siberia. She also emphasized the need for the EU to strengthen its partnership with African countries, focusing on cooperation in managing migration and ensuring equality in partnerships.
She concluded by emphasizing the urgency of ensuring that Russia loses its ongoing “colonial” war in Ukraine, echoing the view that a decisive Russian defeat is necessary for Russia to become a “normal” European state.
