Yesterday, 4 March, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna discussed the impact of the hostilities in the Middle East on Ukraine and further steps to support Ukraine in a phone call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Foreign Minister Sybiha provided an overview of the latest developments in Ukraine and Ukraine’s contacts with the Gulf states to support them in coping with Iran’s massive air attacks.
“Although global attention in recent days has focused on developments in the Middle East, nothing has changed regarding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine or Russia’s objectives. Just as in the Middle East now, drones of Iranian origin continue to spread terror in Ukraine. Drone and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities occur every night, and Russia has also intensified attacks on railway infrastructure, having struck two passenger trains in the past 24 hours alone,” Tsahkna said.
“Hostilities in the Middle East must not distract attention from supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia. Estonia is working actively to ensure that the European Union can launch the €90 billion loan for Ukraine agreed by leaders at the end of last year and that a strong 20th sanctions package against Russia is adopted in the near future,” Tsahkna said, adding that Estonia also supports Ukraine’s progress on its path towards European Union membership and is ready to discuss updating the enlargement methodology.
“Supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia must remain the focus of European countries, because the outcome of Russia’s aggression will have the most direct impact on our long-term security,” Tsahkna said. As part of increasing pressure on Russia, they also discussed introducing an entry ban for Russian fighters to the Schengen area and more broadly.
According to Tsahkna, Ukraine is not only a consumer of security but, based on its experience and military capabilities, increasingly also a provider of security. “Today Ukraine needs our support to withstand Russia’s ongoing war of aggression, but in the future we ourselves will increasingly need Ukraine’s experience and expertise.”
During the conversation, Foreign Minister Tsahkna also provided an overview of the informal meeting of the foreign ministers of the Council of the Baltic Sea States held yesterday in Warsaw, where discussions likewise focused on continued support for Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia.
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