At the meeting of EU foreign ministers held in Cyprus on 27–28 May, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that Europe’s current two-track peace plan — supporting Ukraine while increasing pressure on Russia — has worked well and remains the only correct path forward.
“It is important for Europe to remain united in understanding that we must not allow ourselves to be pushed into the role of a neutral mediator between the aggressor Russia and Ukraine, but instead remain Ukraine’s strategic supporter,” Tsahkna said.
“It is now clear that there are no negotiations between Europe and Russia, nor will there be, because Russia is not interested in negotiations. Instead, it continues to pursue its maximalist goals, which means subjugating Ukraine and restructuring the entire European security order,” the foreign minister stated.
“The stronger position that Ukraine has achieved on the battlefield and Russia’s simultaneously weakening political, economic, and military position show that Europe’s policy so far has been effective. We must continue increasing pressure on Russia by adopting a strong 21st sanctions package, including a full ban on maritime services for vessels transporting Russian oil,” Tsahkna said. “Calculations show that with a maritime services ban in force, Russia would lose an estimated 6–7 billion dollars annually at a minimum, while the potential impact could amount to tens of billions.”
“To ensure Europe’s long-term security, we must move quickly toward Ukraine and Moldova joining the European Union and open all negotiation chapters. We must also develop mutual security guarantees between Ukraine and Europe,” Tsahkna added.
During discussions held within the framework of the meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the main focus was on the global impact of the conflict in the Middle East.
“The participation of the foreign ministers of India and Saudi Arabia in the EU foreign ministers’ meeting demonstrates that the Union’s relations with global partners are strong and that solutions to geopolitical challenges are being sought together,” Tsahkna said, adding that current efforts are focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The meeting in Cyprus also included a discussion on the European security strategy that is currently being developed.
From the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, Foreign Minister Tsahkna will continue on to Sopot, Poland, where the Council of the Baltic Sea States foreign ministers’ meeting will take place on 28–29 May. Discussions at the meeting will focus on current regional and global security challenges in the Baltic Sea region, as well as reform of the Council of the Baltic Sea States. The foreign ministers will also adopt a joint declaration and review recommendations from the Council’s youth ministerial.
Doorstep interview by the Foreign Minister ahead of the EU foreign ministers’ meeting.
Photos from the foreign ministers’ meeting.
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