According to Kallas, Ukraine has shown determination and political will and made unbelievable progress in terms of reforms required to join the European Union despite the war. “Ukraine is fighting for European values and security and its motivation and momentum towards EU integration must be maintained,” said Kallas. “Estonia stands for ensuring that accession negotiations are initiated with Ukraine. We will support Ukraine on its way to the European Union, but also NATO for as long as it takes,” Kallas stressed.
Another important discussion topic was the EU mid-term budget review. “In order to offer long-term support to Ukraine, the European Union must pass its 50 billion-euro aid package. This is also a topic that Estonia will back next week at the European Council,” said Kallas.
Prime Minister Kallas also underlined that the free world must continue to do everything in its power to support Ukraine, because Russia still believes that it can beat us in this war. “We must not let Russia’s narrative win or let it stop us from supporting Ukraine or believing in Ukraine’s victory,” said Kallas. The prime minister added that we must not forget that the free world actually has the upper hand. “For instance, the combined defence budgets of the Ramstein coalition are more than 13 times greater Russia’s. The European Union’s GDP is seven times higher than Russia’s. The defence expenditure of EU Member States is nearly three times higher than Russia’s,” said Kallas.
According to Prime Minister Kallas, the sheer size of the free world’s collective political, economic and military power could guarantee Ukraine’s victory over Russia. “The stronger Ukraine is, the sooner the breaking point for Russia can be reached. However, for Ukraine to maintain this strength until the very end, it needs our weapons, ammo and assistance in training soldiers, not to mention full economic support,” she said.
Kallas also emphasised the need to firmly continue to isolate Russia internationally. Cyber security was also discussed. “For example, Estonia and Luxembourg have created an IT coalition with Ukraine to help the Defence Forces of Ukraine to increase their cyber capability,” said Kallas.
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/stenbockimaja/53384208645/
