Today, on 17 April, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna met with Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, in Tallinn. The meeting focused on support for Ukraine, further pressure on Russia, European security, European Union enlargement, and Ireland’s objectives during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026.
Discussing Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine, Minister Tsahkna emphasised that the European Union’s support for Ukraine must remain unwavering. “Ukraine is fighting every day for the whole of Europe, and it is our duty to offer it every assistance, including by contributing to Ukraine’s defence capabilities and reconstruction. It is therefore essential that the EU loan package of €90 billion be allocated to Ukraine as a matter of urgency,” Tsahkna said. “Estonia and Ireland remain committed to supporting Ukraine. Last August we signed a trilateral cooperation agreement to help improve access to critical healthcare services in Berdychiv. We wish to continue and build on that cooperation actively.”
The minister also stressed the need to increase pressure on Russia. “We must adopt a robust 20th sanctions package to cut off the supply lines of Russia’s war machine, and we must decisively restrict the ability of Russian combatants to move within the European Union.”
Tsahkna added that, in order to prevent impunity, rapid progress must be made in establishing the special tribunal for the crime of aggression committed against Ukraine being established under the auspices of the Council of Europe. “The aggressor’s violations of international law and attempts to reinterpret global norms must not be normalised,” Tsahkna said. “All those responsible for crimes of aggression must be held accountable,” he stressed.
Discussing main objectives of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Minister Tsahkna emphasised that the European Union must continue on a course that prioritises strengthening the Union’s defence capabilities.
“Our task is to increase defence spending, to strengthen the European Union’s security architecture, and to develop mechanisms for countering hybrid threats.” The Foreign Minister added that, in order to secure EU security, accession negotiations with EU candidate countries — including Ukraine and Moldova — must continue.
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