BRUSSELS — In a recent hearing, Kaja Kallas, the former Prime Minister of Estonia and the nominee for the European Union’s foreign policy chief, emphasized the necessity for the EU to continue its steadfast support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. She conveyed that this support must persist “for as long as it takes,” underlining the importance of persuading the United States that its interests regarding China are interconnected with the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine.

Kallas’s remarks came amid concerns about the EU’s commitment as the war, which ignited on February 24, 2022, appears to be favoring Russia. These apprehensions are further heightened by the potential reelection of Donald Trump as U.S. president, who has pledged to seek an end to the war. Addressing EU lawmakers, Kallas articulated, “Ukraine’s victory is a priority for us all” and acknowledged the challenging circumstances on the battlefield. She called for the EU to persist in its efforts daily, stating that support should be as comprehensive as necessary—military, financial, and humanitarian—while also emphasizing the need to establish a clear pathway for Ukraine’s integration into the European Union.

Kallas highlighted the indirect role of China in the ongoing conflict, suggesting that without China’s backing, Russia would struggle to sustain its military campaign. She proposed that sanctions against China should be considered to increase the cost of its support for Russia. EU leaders have long maintained that the bloc must reduce its reliance on U.S. security guarantees, irrespective of political shifts in Washington, as they consider the U.S. increasingly preoccupied with its rivalry with China.

However, Kallas pointed out that if the U.S. is concerned about China and other global actors, it should equally be attentive to the EU’s collective response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. She noted the collaboration among Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia in this context, which underscores the need for a unified strategy.

As Kallas prepares to succeed Josep Borrell as the EU’s chief diplomat, she sought to alleviate worries regarding a potential Trump administration. She stated, “We are not the ones who are electing the president for our partners. So we need to work with all the administrations.” Kallas confirmed that she has engaged with representatives from both major U.S. political parties, mentioning her outreach to associates of Trump, particularly Vice President-elect JD Vance.