According to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, despite war conditions, Ukraine has demonstrated determination, political will and has made incredible progress in the reforms necessary for EU membership.
“The motivation of Ukraine, fighting in the war for European values and security, and the pace of EU integration must not slow down,” Kallas said. “Estonia is in favor of opening accession negotiations with Ukraine. We will support Ukraine on its path towards the European Union and towards NATO, for as long as necessary,” Kallas underlined.
Another important topic discussed was the mid-term review of the EU budget. “From the point of view of long-term support for Ukraine, the European Union must accept a support package of 50 billion euros. This is also an argument that Estonia will defend at the Supreme Council next week,” he said Kallas.
Prime Minister Kallas also stressed that the free world must continue to do everything to support Ukraine, because Russia still believes it can defeat us in this war. “We must not let the Russia narrative win and stop supporting Ukraine under its influence or stop believing in Ukraine’s victory,” Kallas said. The Prime Minister added that we must not forget that the trump cards are actually in the hands of the free world.
“For example, the overall defense budget of the Ramstein coalition is 13 times larger than that of Russia. The GDP of the European Union is seven times larger than that of Russia. The defense costs of EU member states are almost three times higher than those of Russia,” Kallas said.
According to Prime Minister Kallas, the common political, economic and military power of the free world can ensure that Ukraine turns its back on Russian aggression. “The stronger Ukraine is, the faster the breaking point for Russia will come. But for Ukraine to remain strong to the end, it needs our weapons, ammunition and support in training soldiers, and of course economic assistance well-rounded,” he said.
Kallas also stressed the need to continue the principle of Russia’s international isolation. Cyber security was also discussed. “For example, Estonia and Luxembourg, together with Ukraine, have created a cyber coalition, which helps to increase the cyber capabilities of the Ukrainian Defense Forces,” Kallas said.
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2023-12-08 13:44:21
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