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Foreign Minister Tsahkna: Europe must fill the gap left by the United States

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

04.03.2025

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the decision by the United States to pause military aid to Ukraine means that Europe must increase and speed up its assistance to Ukraine to fill the gap.

"Europe must increase military aid to Ukraine to allow Ukraine to continue fighting for a just and lasting peace," Tsahkna said. "The Estonian government has already decided to increase its assistance this year by 25% and also deliver 10 000 artillery shells to Ukraine. Our decision proves that it is possible to make new and quick decisions to help Ukraine, and we call on all supporters of Ukraine to increase their aid as soon as possible."

The foreign minister said that one option for obtaining additional resources to help Ukraine was to use Russia's frozen assets. As most of Russia's frozen sovereign assets are located in Europe, Europe has a decisive role in taking action and using these assets to help Ukraine.

"Claims that there are no legal ways to use Russia's frozen assets are unfounded. Last week, I shared a draft paper with our European partners, offering a clear solution for using frozen assets. Before the June deadline for extending the sanctions imposed on Russia, a political decision must be taken on using frozen assets," the foreign minister said.

"The sole perpetrator of the war must feel pressure and the victim of the aggression must have strong support because it is the only way to force Russia to give up its goals and achieve lasting peace in Ukraine," Tsahkna said.