“Putin cosying up to Iran, North Korea and China shows that this war will have global consequences,” he said. “If Russia’s aggression succeeds, other countries in the so-called axis of evil may follow its lead. As such, our task is to continue to support Ukraine in every way we can. The free world must stick together, and that is what we are doing – from Canada to Japan.”
The Estonian head of government explained that a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing is to be held in Paris tomorrow at which Ukraine’s allies will resume discussions on security guarantees for the country. Prime Minister Michal will be taking part in the meeting via video link from Tallinn.
“Some good work has been done on planning security guarantees since the meeting in Washington a few weeks ago,” he noted. “The US has expressed its willingness to take part as well. We have to seize the moment and come up with legally binding, long-term guarantees.”
The head of government added that Estonia is involved in the planning of the security guarantees and that it will also contribute to their provision. “We announced our participation in spring,” he said. “The first line of defence is Ukraine’s own army, which we are supporting and training. Now is also the time for us to move forward with the enlargement of the EU towards both Ukraine and Moldova.”
In a joint NB8-Ukrainian statement issued after the meeting, the leaders of the Baltic States and Nordic countries reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The statement also underscores the NB8’s pledge to increase military assistance to Ukraine and provide it with security guarantees.
“Russia has so far not committed to a ceasefire or any steps leading to it,” the statement reads. “Russia continues to find excuses to delay, while escalating its brutal and indiscriminate use of violence.” Furthermore, the text mentions the urgent need to accelerate the delivery of weapons, ammunition and air defence systems to Ukraine, and the leaders who attended the meeting agreed that pressure on Russia must be ramped up.
“We are committed to advancing work on a framework of sustainable security guarantees, developed in close cooperation with the United States and our European and other partners,” the statement continues. “Russia has no veto over Ukraine’s pathway to the EU and NATO.”
Full joint statement (in English): Joint Statement by the Leaders of the Nordic-Baltic Eight and Ukraine | Eesti Vabariigi Valitsus
