Prime Minister Kallas confirmed at the meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal that Estonia believes in Ukraine’s victory and will continue to support Ukraine militarily, economically, and politically. “Estonia’s support for Ukraine is unwavering. As part of its latest aid package, Estonia sent Ukraine 20 million euros’ worth of critically needed artillery shells and other military assistance. Our artillery shells have already arrived in Ukraine,” said Kallas.
In addition to the military assistance that Ukraine needs on the front line right now, it is crucial that countries make a long-term commitment to support Ukraine militarily, similarly to Estonia. “Estonia’s long-term military aid to Ukraine will amount to 0.25% of our GDP over the next four years. We need a similar commitment from other countries supporting Ukraine. This is the only way to change the calculations of the aggressor and ensure the victory of Ukraine,” said Kallas.
Prime Minister Kallas stressed that we must also support Ukraine in its accession to the European Union. “Estonia is working to ensure that Ukraine’s accession negotiations with the EU can start as soon as possible, hopefully already during the Belgian Presidency,” she said. The prime minister added that Estonia would also like to support Ukraine in every way possible by sharing practical EU experience with the country. Kallas also confirmed that Estonia’s support for Ukraine on its path to NATO membership will continue.
According to Kallas, it is also important that, in addition to providing military aid, we already start thinking about rebuilding Ukraine. “Estonia has already taken the first steps. The government has approved long-term funding for both rebuilding and humanitarian aid. Estonia will continue with the rebuilding based on practical projects. We will focus on education, social sectors, and the reconstruction of buildings. Our reconstruction will focus on the Zhytomyr region,” explained Kallas. “The actions of Estonia show that reconstruction is possible even while the war is still going on. We hope that we will be a role model for others,” the prime minister added. Kallas also pointed out that cyber cooperation continues to be one of Estonia’s priorities in assisting Ukraine. “We are investing both in the defence sector and elsewhere to support Ukraine in countering cyber threats,” she said.
Kallas also pointed out that we need to continue to isolate Russia comprehensively and continue with sanctions. “Russia must compensate for the damage caused in Ukraine. At the EU level, we are making quick progress with the proposal to use the proceeds of Russia’s frozen assets for the benefit of Ukraine. This is an important first step, but we also need a solution on how to mobilise the assets ourselves,” said Kallas. “The Russian leadership must bear responsibility for the most serious international crimes committed in Ukraine, including the crime of aggression. Estonia will continue its efforts to establish an international special tribunal for crimes of aggression,” Kallas added.
Prime Minister Kallas also stressed that the hope for a quick peace is a trap into which we must not fall. “Russia would only use it to recuperate for an even more vigorous attack. We all wish to live in peace, but it must be a just and lasting peace. Estonia supports and actively participates in the peace plan of President Zelenskyy, centred on territorial integrity and justice in Ukraine,” she said.
The prime ministers also signed a joint statement on support for Ukraine and cooperation between Ukraine and Estonia today. The text of the statement (in English) can be found here:
Joint statement by Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia Kaja Kallas and Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal
Press statement by Prime Minister Kallas (in English): Press statement by Prime Minister Kaja Kallas after the meeting with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, 3 April 2024
Photos: Flickr, Raigo Pajula / Raul Mee
