BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union should support Ukraine against Russia for as long as necessary and convince the United States that its strategic interests in China are tied to the outcome of the war, the woman nominated as the country’s top diplomat block. said Tuesday.
Questions have been raised over whether the 27-nation EU’s commitment to Ukraine would remain steadfast now that Russia appears to have an edge in the war, which began on February 24, 2022, and following the re-election of Donald Trump, who has promised to put an end to the war. the conflict as American president.
“Ukraine’s victory is a priority for all of us. The situation on the battlefield is very difficult,” former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas told EU lawmakers at a hearing that she had to succeed to be appointed foreign policy chief.
“That’s why we have to keep working every day. Today, tomorrow and for as long as necessary and with as much military, financial and humanitarian assistance as necessary,” she said, adding that “this must be underpinned by a clear path for Ukraine to join the European Union .”
Kallas underlined China’s more covert role in the conflict.
“Without China’s support for Russia, Russia would not be able to continue its war with the same vigor. China must also feel the higher costs,” she said, suggesting sanctions should be considered.
Many EU leaders and representatives have long insisted that the bloc must wean itself from its security dependence on the United States, regardless of who is in power in Washington. The belief is that the US is increasingly focusing on its growing rivalry with China.
But Kallas noted: “If (the) US is concerned about China or other actors, then they should also be concerned about how we respond in Russia’s war against Ukraine, because we see how Iran, North Korea, China , more covertly, and Russia is working together.”
The 47-year-old Estonian politician, who is set to take over the top position in the EU from Spaniard Josep Borrell, played down concerns about Trump, saying: “we are not the ones who choose the president for our partners. So we have to work together with all governments.”
Kallas said she has always met with U.S. representatives from both sides and has already interacted with people close to Trump, especially newly elected Vice President JD Vance.
