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Foreign Minister Tsahkna in Brussels: let's not allow Putin and his accessories to hide behind immunity

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

22.05.2023

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels today 22 May, with the focus on continued support to Ukraine and the need for a special tribunal.

The meeting covered continued comprehensive support to Ukraine. "We must speed up the necessary ammunition deliveries to Ukraine and keep raising the cost of the war for Russia for as long as needed," Tsahkna said. "I welcome the fact that in addition to imposing new sanctions on Russia we are discussing how to prevent the circumvention of existing sanctions."

They also spoke about holding Russia accountable for the crime of aggression in Ukraine. "We must not let Putin and the rest of Russia's leadership hide behind immunity when it comes to the horrors committed in Ukraine. It is the moral responsibility of the West to bring those responsible for what has been done in Ukraine to international justice," Tsahkna said.

Tsahkna added that in light of the new peace initiatives of Ukraine, the EU should take a leading role in discussions over implementing the 10-point peace plan of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "We must not forget that only Ukraine makes decisions on peace negotiations and they must be based on President Zelensky's 10-point peace plan," Tsahkna emphasised.

The ministers also discussed the situation on the Western Balkans. "We support the open door policy of the European Union and enlargement to the Western Balkans. Estonia is ready to share its experience in joining the European Union," Tsahkna said.

The foreign ministers also addressed the tense situation in Tunisia and the Horn of Africa, especially in Sudan.

The day concluded with Tsahkna attending an event presenting the new strategy of the civilian missions of the EU. The aim of the strategy is to improve the efficiency of the civilian missions of the European Union, and make them more flexible and effective.