EU top diplomat nominee strongly backs Ukraine and underlines China's links to the war

Date:

Share post:


BRUSSELS — The European Union must back Ukraine against Russia for as a long as it takes and persuade the United States that its strategic interests in China are tied up in the outcome of the war, the woman nominated as the bloc’s top diplomat for the next five years said Tuesday.

Questions have been raised about whether the 27-nation EU’s commitment to Ukraine would remain firm with Russia appearing to have an edge in the war, which began on Feb. 24, 2022, and following the reelection of Donald Trump, who has vowed to end the conflict as U.S. president.

“Ukraine’s victory is a priority for us all. The situation on the battlefield is very difficult,” Estonia ex-Prime Minister Kaja Kallas told EU lawmakers during a hearing she must pass to be appointed as foreign policy chief.

“That is why we must keep on working every day. Today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes and with as much military, financial and humanitarian aid as needed,” she said, and added 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 to Russia, Russia would not be able to continue its war with the same force. China needs to also feel the higher cost,” she said, suggesting that sanctions should be considered.

Many EU leaders and representatives have long insisted that the bloc must wean itself off its security dependence on the United States, regardless of who is in power in Washington. The belief is that the U.S. is increasingly focused on its growing rivalry with China.

But Kallas noted: “If (the) U.S is worried about China, or other actors, then they should also be worried about how we respond in Russia’s war against Ukraine, because we see how Iran, North Korea, China, more covertly, and Russia are working together.”

The 47-year-old Estonian politician, who is set to take over the top EU post from Spain’s Josep Borrell, played down concerns about Trump, saying: “we are not the ones who are electing the president for our partners. So we need to work with all the administrations.”

Kallas said that she has always met with U.S. representatives from both sides and has already been in contact with people close to Trump, notably Vice President-elect JD Vance.



Source link

Lisa Holden
Lisa Holden
Lisa Holden is a news writer for LinkDaddy News. She writes health, sport, tech, and more. Some of her favorite topics include the latest trends in fitness and wellness, the best ways to use technology to improve your life, and the latest developments in medical research.

Recent posts

Related articles

What's next for EVs under President Trump?

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump signed an executive order promising to eliminate what he incorrectly labels “the...

Rosy December for small business sales, but restaurants are left out

NEW YORK -- Small businesses had a merry December, as shoppers wrapped up their holiday shopping.That's according...

Global shares trade mixed in a muted reaction to the U.S. inauguration

TOKYO -- Global shares were mixed in a muted reaction Tuesday to the inauguration of U.S. President...

Sequel to Prince Harry's feud with British tabloids begins in high-stakes trial

LONDON -- The sequel to Prince Harry vs. the British tabloids begins Tuesday in a high-stakes pitting...

Dozens of firms pull ads from Japanese network over sex scandal linked to its staff and celebrity

TOKYO -- Dozens of major Japanese companies have pulled their commercials on Fuji Television amid allegations company...

Canada relieved Trump doesn’t impose tariffs on the major US trading partner on first day

TORONTO -- Canadian leaders expressed relief Monday that broad tariffs were not applied to Canadian products on...

Prada offers savage, instinctive menswear during Milan Fashion Week

MILAN -- MILAN (AP) — Miuccia Prada and her co-creative director Raf Simons described the latest Prada...

Stock market today: Asian shares track Wall St's strong finish ahead of Trump's inauguration

BANGKOK -- Asian shares advanced early Monday after U.S. stock indexes rallied to close out their best...