Statement by Prime Minister Kaja Kallas at the joint press conference with Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg, 28 June 2023

Statement by Prime Minister Kaja Kallas at the joint press conference with Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg, 28 June 2023

As Jens already mentioned we had a very good discussion, and I am pleased to be here at the NATO Headquarters today.

We are living thought turbulent times. I thank you, Jens for having a principled stance and for building the Allied unity through these difficult times.

It is increasingly clear by now that Ukraine is winning this war – with the help of the transatlantic family strongly at its side.

And it is clear, that the sooner Putin gets it that he is losing this war, the faster Russia will return to Russia. It is our joint responsibility to prove to him by our continued support to Ukraine and our unity and decision-making.

We also discussed preparations for NATO Summit in Vilnius.

First, for permanent peace in Europe we need to end grey zones of security in Europe. Grey zones are the breeding grounds for instability and wars. It is experience of my own country that NATO membership is the safest, cheapest, and most credible way of deterring Russia. Russia´s aggression against Ukraine has also proved this point - the only thing that can end its cycles of aggressions against its neighbors is NATO membership.

Hence, for peace in Europe, we need Ukraine in NATO. In Bucharest Summit Allies agreed that Ukraine would become a member - this should not remain a hollow promise. What we need now is to define a practical path to meet this goal. And we need to send a strong message of hope to the Ukrainian soldiers in trenches that with NATO membership on the horizon, they are fighting their last war with Russia.

Second, we made historic decisions in Madrid Summit – these were truly significant changes in policy and mindset. Now we need to put it into practice. All Allies must continue to invest in security. This will make our transatlantic bond even stronger. By the time Allies convene in Washington to celebrate NATO’s 75th Anniversary next summer, we Europeans must demonstrate a strategic leap not only in thinking, but also in real deliverables.

For that, the defence of NATO’s European allies needs a truly decisive lift. We need to step up combat effectiveness and we need deterrence credible enough to avoid war and stop Russia´s cycle of aggressions.

For that we need increased defence investment spendings. For credible deterrence and defence it is key to close existing gaps in our capabilities and stockpiles. Our longer-term aim should be 2,5% of the GDP. I know from experience how difficult it is for democratically elected leaders to argue for increasing costs. In Estonia, we are increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP while my government is raising taxes.   

Time matters and sending out right signals matters. Just to give you an example from my country´s history. In 1933, defence budget increase lacked political support in Estonia. In 1939, a tenfold boost of defence investments was already too late – none of the equipment made it in time to defend us in World War II and from the occupation that followed.

Third, Russia has tried to blackmail NATO away from its neighborhood. The outcome has been the opposite. Finland has joined the Alliance and I hope Sweden joining soon as well.

In conclusion, it is a long war that Russia is fighting. It will not be over until Russia accepts and respects Ukraine´s statehood. Developments within Russia should not blur our focus and resolve:

• Aggression must end in defeat.
• Long-term European security requires Ukrainian membership in NATO.  We have to work on the wording how to get there.
• For peace that lasts we need accountability. And we need accountability for the crime of aggression for Russi´s leadership. Without accountability, Russia´s cycle of violence in Europe and beyond will never stop.

Thank you!