Prime Minister Michal stressed that Estonia had decided to support Ukraine even before the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. “Ukraine has stood up bravely and prevented Russia from making decisive progress on the battlefield. Ukraine has also caused significant damage to the aggressor’s oil production and the feeding of the war machine. Today, Ukraine is developing capabilities, knowledge, and technologies that serve as a model for all of Europe and shape our joint security,” Michal said.
The Estonian prime minister added that Russia’s nighttime drone and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure are brutal and unacceptable. “We extend our sincere condolences to all the victims and their families.” He assured that Estonia, together with partners and allies, will continue to put pressure on Russia. “The Kremlin’s direction will only change if Putin realises that military victory is impossible. Russia’s political isolation and sanctions are having an impact. It’s economy is under increasing pressure,” Michal noted.
The European Union is preparing a 21st package of sanctions. Estonia supports a complete ban on maritime services for Russian oil and petroleum products, as well as sanctions targeting exports of Russian energy carriers, Russia’s largest energy companies, and its shadow fleet. Estonia is actively working to ensure that those who participated in Russia’s aggression are no longer allowed to enter the Schengen area and the European Union.
The prime minister stressed that war crimes will not go unpunished. “Recently, Council of Europe member states confirmed their readiness to contribute to the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine. Impunity will not become the norm,” said Michal.
The prime minister pointed out that Estonia will have the honour of hosting the global Ukraine Recovery Conference next year. “Estonia was one of the first countries to begin the reconstruction of Ukraine, and by organising this conference we are reaffirming our long-standing commitment. We will not only focus on reconstruction projects, but also share our reform experience and knowledge to help Ukraine prepare for EU membership,” said Michal.
The Estonian prime minister expressed his conviction that Ukraine’s future lies in the European Union and NATO. “We need to move forward more quickly with the expansion of the European Union. All negotiating clusters must be opened without delay. This is an investment in our joint security, prosperity and resilience,” concluded Michal.
The prime ministers of the Nordic and Baltic countries will meet in Tallinn on 9 June. Supporting Ukraine is one of the main priorities of the Estonian chairmanship of the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) cooperation format.
