In a meeting with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, Kallas stressed that Ukraine is winning the war and what is happening in Russia must not distract us, undermine our unwavering support for Ukrainians, or reduce the pressure on the Putin regime.
“Brave Ukrainians have demonstrated that it is possible to break the back of the aggressor. It is increasingly clear that Ukraine is winning this war. For that, we must continue our unity and decisiveness in supporting them. There is no room for hesitation or a step back – on the contrary, we must continue to increase the price of Russia’s aggression. Developments in Russia should not blur our focus,” Kallas stressed.
Kallas said that her priorities for the Council, which begins on Thursday, are the use of frozen Russian assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine and the prosecution of the perpetrators of the crime of aggression. “We need to establish an international tribunal for the crime of aggression with the greatest possible international legitimacy and no immunity for the Russian leadership. These are the parameters I will suggest at the European Council table to other leaders,” she said.
“We are also committed to the reconstruction of Ukraine, which must start now – combined with the reforms necessary for EU integration, it can become the perfect boost for Ukraine’s economy. But it is unfair that our taxpayers should pay the price for the devastation caused by Russia. Estonia is the first country in the European Union to propose a bill that would allow the frozen assets of Russian citizens and companies to be used to compensate Ukraine for war damage. We hope that we will soon find a common approach in the EU as well,” Kallas continued.
According to the prime minister, Ukraine’s future lies with the European Union and NATO, and she has no doubt that Ukrainians will work hard to start accession negotiations with the EU this year.
Kallas stressed that the security situation also requires new common solutions in the EU. “More than a year ago in Versailles, we agreed to invest more in the EU’s defence capabilities. We need to follow that with concrete actions. We need a Europe that can defend itself effectively. This means adjusting our defence industry to the new security situation. We have pulled together in the EU before – recovering from the pandemic and easing the energy crisis are good examples. Another EU-wide strategic effort is due – this time, for European defence.”
Today, Kallas will also meet NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In the evening, she will also meet Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo, with whom she will participate in an AmCham EU 60th Anniversary panel discussion.
Kallas’ statement at the press conference with Roberta Metsola (in English): https://www.valitsus.ee/en/news/remarks-prime-minister-kaja-kallas-press-conference-president-european-parliament-roberta
Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAKunN
