Estonian PM urges EU to fast-track Ukraine’s membership talks
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal (Photo: Getty Images)
Russia has weakened noticeably, but its goals regarding Ukraine have not changed. Against this backdrop, allies were called on to strengthen military support for Kyiv, maintain pressure on Moscow, and accelerate the opening of negotiation clusters on Ukraine's EU accession, reports Ukrinform.
According to Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Russia's current position is the result of the actions of Western countries and their support for Ukraine. He emphasized that the strategy chosen by the allies is producing results and should not be changed.
Michal emphasized that Russia was weaker than it had been in many years, adding that this was no coincidence but the result of their actions. He said their strategy was working and urged continued pressure on Russia rather than on Ukraine.
Kremlin has not abandoned its goals
The head of the Estonian government noted that the recent massive Russian strikes on civilian facilities confirm that the Kremlin's goals remain unchanged.
The Prime Minister said that the recent large-scale Russian attacks on civilians showed that Russia's goals had not changed. He said Russia still wanted to capture all of Ukraine and divide Europe, adding that the response should also remain unchanged. He stressed that this was why Ukraine needed more military support, not less.
Estonia is increasing aid to Ukraine
Michal recalled that the European Union has already allocated additional financial resources, but individual decisions at the EU level are not enough. According to him, partner countries must provide assistance to Ukraine more actively and directly.
Michal said that Estonia had committed to providing annual military aid amounting to at least 0.25% of its GDP, adding that the country could do even more. He noted that the figure had already reached 0.35% of Estonia's GDP the previous year.
Estonia called for accelerating Ukraine's EU accession
The Prime Minister also stated that a sustainable peace is impossible without a European perspective for Ukraine. He called on the EU to immediately open all negotiation clusters for the country's accession.
According to Michal, a just and long-term peace is impossible without a clear path for Ukraine to the European Union.
He emphasized that Kyiv has long been ready for the next stage of European integration, so the EU should immediately open all negotiation clusters.
The Estonian Prime Minister said that this was not a favor to Ukraine but was in the strategic and economic interests of the European Union itself. He added that this was how peace in Europe could be protected.
Earlier, the Estonian authorities initiated legislative changes that would allow citizens of NATO member states to officially serve in the country's Defense Forces. The relevant draft law has already been submitted to parliament.
