On 17 October, Mariin Ratnik, Undersecretary for Economic and Development Affairs, took part in a conference in Portugal organised by the Estonian and Ukrainian embassies in support of Ukraine’s reconstruction. The conference focused on Estonia’s reconstruction experience in the Zhytomyr Oblast and opportunities for cooperation with Portugal. During her visit, Mariin Ratnik also met with Oleksandr Kornienko, First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
In her opening remarks, Undersecretary Ratnik stated that Ukraine is defending not only its independence but also Europe’s freedom and security. “For Ukraine and its supporters, there is no Plan B – only a decisive and ultimate Ukrainian victory,” she said. Ratnik emphasised that victory entails not only military success but also economic, social, and institutional recovery. “Estonia is helping Ukraine to win both the war and the peace. Estonia’s message has been consistent and clear – Russia must pay for the damage it has caused. To that end, frozen Russian assets must be mobilised.”
In her speech, Ratnik also highlighted the active involvement of Estonia’s private sector in Ukraine – not only in defence and digital affairs but also in construction and housing development. “We are not just building with bricks and cement, we are investing in people,” she stressed. She also confirmed Estonia’s readiness to share its reform experience and digital governance solutions to support Ukraine on its path towards the EU and NATO.
Klen Jäärats, Director of Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), and Alo Tamm, CEO of the company Harmet, shared their experiences of cooperation in Ukraine during the conference’s opening panel.
Estonia has been a role model in supporting Ukraine, actively participating in reconstruction projects in the Zhytomyr Oblast since 2022. Ratnik also confirmed Estonia’s willingness to co-host a Ukraine reconstruction conference in Tallinn in 2027 together with Ukrainian partners.
“This high-level conference in Lisbon was made possible through cooperation with our Ukrainian and Portuguese partners, and its aim was to raise broader awareness of the necessity and importance of Ukraine’s reconstruction,” said Estonia’s Ambassador to Portugal, Moonika Kase. “It gave us the opportunity to showcase the projects already completed and underway in Ukraine, where Estonia has significant experience to share, and hopefully this will lead to practical cooperation and concrete initiatives in the future,” Kase added.
During the meeting with Deputy Speaker Kornienko, discussions covered the situation in Ukraine, the need for support for Ukraine’s energy sector following recent attacks, and Ukraine’s interest in business cooperation. In recent months, Russia’s extensive missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have damaged critical supply networks, caused power outages for millions, and jeopardised the reliability of Ukraine’s energy system ahead of the winter season. “This is yet another attempt to break civilian resilience and destabilise the functioning of the state, and we must increase our contributions to Ukraine’s energy sector.” Ratnik also confirmed the growing interest of Estonian companies in cooperating with Ukraine.
The conference was attended by Ana Isabel Xavier, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Oleksandr Kornienko, First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, a delegation from the Zhytomyr region including mayors and deputy mayors, members of the Portuguese business community, and ambassadors residing in Portugal.
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