Prime Minister Kristen Michal remarked that for Estonia, the outcome of tomorrow’s meeting in Alaska is more important than the fact the meeting is taking place. “Its aim must be to achieve a just and lasting peace,” he said. “The sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of states must be guaranteed.”
The head of government says that Estonia holds a strong, values-based position. “We do not recognise the taking of land by force,” he noted. “That is our steadfast position. The future of Ukraine must be decided by the Ukrainians themselves. To that end, Europe will continue to assist Ukraine and to place pressure on Russia.”
Yesterday, Prime Minister Michal took part in a video meeting of the Coalition of the Willing with other European and world leaders from as far afield as the United States, Canada and Japan. “The atmosphere in the meeting was one of optimism and shared understanding,” he said. “We are doing everything to ensure that Ukraine has unwavering back-up, that it can always rely on us, on the Nordic countries, on Europe, on the free world.”
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna says that concessions will not dissuade Russia from its aggressive course. “On the contrary, it will only increase the aggressor’s appetite,” he stated.
Minister Tsahkna added that an unconditional ceasefire is the prerequisite for serious and fruitful negotiations. “In a situation where weapons are still rattling from being fired and Russia continues to launch bomb, drone and rocket attacks on Ukrainian cities, it is impossible to properly negotiate a lasting peace,” he said.
The minister stressed that Russia can only be influenced through force. “Even stronger sanctions must be imposed, and Russia must be deprived of the economic means to wage war,” he said. “To that end, the European Union has started working on its 19th package of sanctions.”
Estonia will continue to assist Ukraine by allocating 0.25% of its GDP annually to military assistance for the beleaguered nation. Estonia is also prepared to contribute to the Coalition of the Willing in order to provide Ukraine with security guarantees.
Minister Tsahkna says that membership of NATO is the best way of ensuring Ukraine’s security. “But if it takes time to reach that point, then concrete steps must be taken to guarantee Ukraine’s security following the end of hostilities.”
