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Secretary General Vseviov in Rome: our message to Russia remains the same, we will support Ukraine to its victory

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

14.09.2023

Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jonatan Vseviov was on a visit to Rome on 13 and 14 September, meeting with his Italian counterpart Riccardo Guariglia, and giving a presentation at a meeting with Senate members chaired by the President of the Committee for European Union Policies Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata and President of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee Stefania Craxi, and meeting with Head of the Department of Information for Security Elisabetta Belloni.

The meetings focused on bilateral relations, security and defence cooperation, and Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Secretary General Vseviov said that the war in Ukraine could only end on Ukraine's terms, in respect of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Just as is stated in the 10-point peace plan of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "The goal of Europe is clear and it is to help Ukraine win, and support it for as long as necessary," Vseviov said. "We will not stop, or tire of sending a clear message to Russia that its cruelty and inhuman aggression will not subjugate Europe nor Ukraine, which stands at the heart of Europe." The meetings also covered the new, 12th package of EU sanctions against Russia, including more efficient prevention of the circumvention of sanctions.

Speaking about holding Russia and its leadership accountable for its crime of aggression and war crimes, Vseviov underlined we were at a decisive point in time. "We are living in a historic moment when the world and its leaders have a chance to take a bold step, and bring accountability to the troika that has committed genocide and continues to bomb civilians. We can set a precedent and restore international morale and order," he said, adding that this can only be achieved with an internationally mandated special tribunal.

Continued support to Ukraine on its path to the European Union and NATO was also on the agenda. Vseviov said he hoped that Ukraine, which has made great progress in meeting the seven conditions set by the EU, would be invited to accession negotiations before the end of the year. He said that Russia's aggression has demonstrated that grey areas in Europe would only increase instability. "NATO membership is the only long-term security guarantee for Ukraine," Vseviov said. "Let us respect that."

Vseviov said that Estonia highly appreciated Italy's leading role in engaging with global partners, including its cooperation with Tunisia, and asked about ways in which Estonia could increase its contribution.

Vseviov also spoke at a round table on the future of European security, hosted by the Istituto Affari Internazionali think tank.