Prime Minister Kallas assured his Ukrainian counterpart of Estonia’s continued and unwavering support until victory. The Prime Minister of Ukraine thanked Estonia, and Prime Minister Kallas personally, for being one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine. “Prime Minister Shmyhal told me that every Ukrainian knows that Estonia is their greatest friend,” Kallas said.
According to Prime Minister Kallas, the Ukrainians show every day in battle how well they can make the weapons given to them work for their benefit. “However, it’s important that the free world continues to help Ukraine with weapons and that the promised weapons are delivered quickly to the battlefield,” she said. “Air defence and munitions are particularly important.”
Kallas also noted that Ukraine’s victory is necessary to achieve peace. “Peace must be just and lasting,” emphasised Kallas. “Territorial integrity and holding the aggressor to account must be at the heart of this.”
The prime ministers also discussed Ukraine’s path towards NATO and the European Union. “At the NATO Summit held in Vilnius this summer, all Allies agreed that Ukraine’s place is in NATO,” said Kallas. “Only NATO membership will provide security guarantees to Ukraine, ensure sufficient deterrence against future Russian aggression and strengthen the security and stability of the whole Euro-Atlantic region. Estonia continues to actively support the NATO membership of Ukraine.” Estonia recently also joined the G7 Joint Declaration of Long-Term Support for Ukraine. Prime Minister Kallas also noted that Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations will hopefully start this year.
Kallas also emphasised that Estonia will continue its efforts to hold all perpetrators of the crime of aggression and other war crimes accountable and to establish a special international tribunal for this purpose.
The prime ministers also discussed issues related to Ukraine’s grain transport and making preparations for the coming winter. “In Estonia, we’re also looking for ways to help Ukraine transport its grain to the world market and support the country’s economy,” said Kallas.
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