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Ratnik in Kyiv: even in the most difficult moments Ukraine can rely on the support of Estonia and other allies

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

26.11.2025 | 18:28

On 24 and 25 November, Foreign Ministry's Undersecretary for Economic and Development Affairs Mariin Ratnik visited Kyiv, Ukraine, where she took part in a meeting of the Ukraine Donor Platform and met with Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka, Minister of Economy Oleksii Sobolev, Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa, and Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development Artem Rybchenko. Ratnik also delivered a speech at the closing event of Estonia's development cooperation project IMPACT-Zhytomyr 2.0, aimed at strengthening the capacity of EU cooperation projects to support the development of local governments in Zhytomyr region.

At the meeting, the state of Ukraine's reform process and opportunities to improve the business climate were discussed, where Estonia can share its reform experience. Ratnik stressed that restoring the confidence of donors and investors is crucial. Speaking with Deputy Prime Minister Kachka about opening negotiation clusters in Ukraine's EU accession talks, Ratnik said that Estonia supports the opening of the first cluster for Ukraine. "We expect Ukraine to show even greater commitment to fighting corruption and implementing rule of law reforms, which are prerequisites for future EU and NATO membership," Ratnik said.

In her meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa, Ratnik stated: "Russia's goal of destroying Ukraine and reshaping Europe's security architecture has not changed, and therefore neither has our position: Ukraine must be helped to a position of strength and Russia must be pressured to change course." Ratnik emphasised that the European Union has the tools and means to increase pressure on Russia. The EU is working on its 20th sanctions package, seeks more effective ways to deter Russia's shadow fleet, and continues discussions on the use of Russia's frozen assets and the imposition of tariffs.

In her meeting with Minister of Economy Oleksii Sobolev, Ratnik noted that Estonian defence industry companies as well as several firms in digitalisation, construction, educational technology and renewable energy are already active in Ukraine and wish to expand their presence, including in cooperation with Ukraine's regional and local authorities. In addition, Estonia is preparing to host a Ukraine reconstruction conference in Tallinn in 2027 and stands ready to continue both practical and political support for strengthening Ukraine's European-style and transparent business environment.

Ratnik also took part in the closing event of Estonia's development cooperation project IMPACT-Zhytomyr 2.0, where she said that Ukraine's reconstruction must be based on strengthening local governments. "Estonia supports Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction through experience, partnerships and concrete actions, helping local governments to develop skills in project management, funding applications and strategic planning," Ratnik said in her opening remarks. "Transparent governance and the use of digital solutions are the cornerstones of Ukraine's European path and sustainable recovery. The experience created together in Zhytomyr will grow into a model that can be applied across Ukraine, strengthening both the country's resilience and its ability to build its own future." Through the IMPACT-Zhytomyr programmes, more than 280 participants from 65 municipalities have gained knowledge and expertise to design and implement projects that meet European standards.