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Foreign Minister Tsahkna in Berlin: Russia's aggression is not a war film

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

23.08.2023

On 22 and 23 August, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna is on a visit to Berlin, and yesterday he met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Foreign Policy and Security Advisor to the Chancellor Jens Plötner, and Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Svenja Schulze to discuss European security, Russia's aggression in Ukraine and reinforcing economic cooperation.

His meeting with Baerbock concentrated on continued full support to Ukraine, including on the country's path to NATO and in its integration with the European Union. "The NATO summit in Vilnius reaffirmed that Ukraine will become a member of NATO. My German colleague and I talked about coordinating long-term assistance to Ukraine to make sure it becomes a reality," Tsahkna said, emphasising that Estonia would stand by Ukraine for as long as needed. "Russia's aggression in Ukraine is not a war film with a beginning and an expected end," he added. "Russia is waiting for us to become tired and our support to fade away but we will not tire. We will continue until Ukraine's victory."

They also spoke about holding Russian leadership accountable for the crime of aggression in Ukraine and raising the cost of the war for Russia. "Russian President Vladimir Putin and his close circle must be held accountable for Russia's war of aggression," Tsahkna said. "The crimes committed by the Soviet Union during and after the Second World War went unpunished and we are now witnessing the impact and consequences of this because the crimes of Stalin are being repeated in Ukraine. Let us not allow history to repeat itself."

"I can see great potential for cooperating on the green transition because climate change affects the security of the entire world," Tsahkna said. "Estonia's objective is to get all of its energy from renewable sources by 2030 and Germany's expertise in using wind power is very welcome in helping us achieve this," he added.

At the meetings, Tsahkna recognised Germany for its remarkable contribution to European security, including NATO Baltic Air Policing and boosting Ukraine's defence capabilities. "Germany is a good partner and Ally and it was good to discuss ways of boosting our cooperation," Tsahkna said.

The meeting with Plötner covered coordinating long-term assistance to Ukraine through a joint statement of G7 in support of Ukraine. "At the meeting, I stressed that Estonia is ready to make long-term security commitments to help Ukraine defend itself, reinforce the free and democratic future of the country and deter a future Russian aggression."

At his meeting with Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Schulze, he spoke about coordinating reconstruction efforts in Ukraine and engaging with the private sector. "Estonia and Germany are committed to rebuilding Ukraine here and now," Tsahkna said. Plötner also took an interest in Estonia's e-state.

During his visit, Tsahkna will also meet with Estonia's honorary consuls in Germany, ambassadors covering Estonia from Berlin and entrepreneurs, and he will give a speech at a business round table with entrepreneurs from North Rhine-Westphalia.