The EU’s highest-appointed diplomat strongly backs Ukraine and highlights China’s links to the war

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union must back down Ukraine against Russia as long as it takes and convince the United States that it is strategic interests in China are linked to the outcome of the war, the woman nominated to be the bloc’s top diplomat for the next five years said on Tuesday.

Questions have been raised whether the 27-nation EU’s commitment to Ukraine will remain firm, with Russia appearing to have an advantage in the war, which began on February 24, 2022 and after the re-election of Donald Trump, who has vowed to end the conflict as president of the USA.

“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 during a hearing she must pass to be named foreign policy chief.

“That’s why we have to keep working every day. Today, tomorrow and as long as it takes and with how much military, financial and humanitarian aid is needed,” she said, adding that “this must be supported by a clear path for Ukraine to join the European Union.” .

Kallas pointed to 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 force. China must 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 shed its security dependence on the United States, regardless of who is in power in Washington. The US is believed to be increasingly focused 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 EU job from Spain’s Josep Borrell, downplayed concerns about Trump, saying: “We are not the ones who choose the president for our partners. So we have to work with all administrations.”

Kallas said he has always met with US representatives from both parties and has already been in contact with people close to Trump, particularly Vice President-elect JD Vance.