Kaja Kallas: “Threats from Russia Will Not Disappear Even if the War in Ukraine Ends”

Kaja Kallas outlines EU efforts to increase pressure on Russia through sanctions, strengthen support for Ukraine, and enhance European security amid ongoing threats and the need for accountability.

The end of March 2022 became a turning point in the Russian-Ukrainian war, when the enemy abandoned attempts to enter Kyiv and began withdrawing from its suburbs under pressure from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It also came as a shock due to the scale of Russian crimes, as after the liberation of Bucha, Irpin, and Hostomel, the world saw streets strewn with the bodies of civilians killed by Russian occupiers.

Representatives of the European Union were among the first to arrive at the sites of Russian crimes at that time. Over the four years since de-occupation, they have continued to raise the issue of holding the aggressors accountable. Ukrinform spoke about this with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, who, together with a delegation of ministers from EU member states, arrived in Bucha on the anniversary of the liberation of Kyiv region.

Ratification of the Agreement on the Special Tribunal in the EU Will Enable Inviting Other Countries to Join

— Your visit to Ukraine is dedicated to the preparation of the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression. What are the realistic timelines for its creation? Do you believe that all member states will complete the ratification of the agreement on its establishment and allocate funds?

— Yes, we definitely need all member states to complete ratification and move forward. This is the foundation that will allow us to invite other countries to join the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression.

It is important to send a signal about accountability not only for the soldiers who commit war crimes, but also for those who send them to war, because without that there would be no war crimes at all. That is why this Special Tribunal needs to be established, so it can hold the leadership of the aggressor state accountable.

— Sanctions are also a tool to influence Putin’s war. Is the proposal for a complete ban on Russian oil in the EU still being discussed, despite the sharp rise in prices due to the war in Iran?

— Of course, this has complicated the situation, as there is a global oil shortage. That is why some member states are hesitant, since energy prices are rising. But I believe we need to move forward. We are discussing a complete ban on maritime services for the shadow fleet. This will definitely have an impact, as about 45 percent of Russia’s total oil output goes through the Baltic Sea.

Many Countries Support a Ban on Entry for Russian Combatants to the EU

— Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha insists on banning entry into the EU for Russians who have fought against Ukraine, as well as for their family members. What is your opinion? When will the EU be able to support this?

— Member states have put forward a proposal to ban Russian combatants from entering Europe. Discussions are ongoing. Many member states support it, because we must think about the future. These combatants would pose a security threat if they were on our streets.

We are also sending a clear message: if you go to war against Ukraine, there will be consequences.

The EU Is Constantly Preparing for Threats from Russia

— You are actively advocating for greater EU involvement in the negotiation process. How can this be implemented, given Russia’s strong resistance?

— Russia is firmly opposed to peace. We see how the Russians say one thing, but in reality bomb Ukraine and refuse to agree to a ceasefire, while Ukraine agreed to an unconditional ceasefire a year ago. We must force them into a situation where they change their calculations and move from simulating negotiations to actually agreeing to end this war.

Unfortunately, we are not there yet.

— May I ask about your home country, Estonia? Russia is constantly threatening the Baltic states. Recently, they fabricated the so-called Narva People’s Republic. Using electronic warfare, the Russians are directing Ukrainian drones into Estonian territory. Are you ready to confront these new threats from Russia?

— We are constantly preparing for various threats from Russia. It is clear that they are long-term and will not disappear, even if the war ends.

EMPR