President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Estonia’s Prime Minister Kristen Michal, who is on his first official visit to Ukraine.
“We are very grateful to your people, your government, and your parliamentarians. From the very beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, you have supported Ukraine and provided substantial assistance exceeding €700 million in military and financial aid. Thank you so much,” the President said.
The key topic of the meeting was the continuation of military assistance. In the face of ongoing Russian attacks on our people and critical infrastructure, the country urgently needs strengthened air defense during the winter months.
The discussions also covered the current needs of Ukrainian soldiers, equipping brigades, and the possibility of Estonia participating in procuring defense products from domestic manufacturers. Such initiatives will help strengthen Ukraine on the battlefield and bring closer a just and lasting peace for both Ukraine and Europe.
“We deeply appreciate your country for being very straightforward and clear about Ukraine’s future in both the EU and NATO,” the President noted.
The meeting also addressed Ukraine’s progress on its path to joining the EU and the importance of achieving allied consensus on extending a NATO membership invitation.
Another focus was the invitation for Ukraine to participate in the upcoming Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) summit, set to take place in Tallinn later this month. The President expressed gratitude for the invitation and emphasized that Ukraine has every reason to become a member of this important organization.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal assured that Estonia and its people would continue to support Ukraine in every possible way, as they consider Russia a common enemy.
“We have made it clear: Ukraine is part of Europe and must be part of NATO. To achieve a just and lasting peace, both are necessary. Because if Putin wins and changes the borders by force, it will send a signal to Russia, North Korea, Iran and everyone else to continue such actions. So, for Europe, what Ukraine is doing is a fight for the freedom of Europe, as well as for the freedom of the entire democratic world,” said Kristen Michal.
