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Tsahkna in Brussels: only Ukraine's victory would ensure security for NATO members

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

03.04.2024

Today 3 March, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna attended the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels, where the agenda included preparations for the NATO summit in Washington and options for providing further support to Ukraine. There were also meetings with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock to discuss long-term support for Ukraine and using frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine.

Tsahkna welcomed the fact that ahead of its 75th anniversary, NATO was stronger than ever and Sweden was participating as a full NATO member for the first time.

"Sweden's membership increases security in our region and the whole Euro-Atlantic area," Tsahkna said. "However, the only thing that would ensure lasting peace and security for NATO members is Ukraine's victory in the war of aggression Russia launched."

In light of this, Tsahkna underlined the need to increase military aid to Ukraine and send strong signals of long-term commitment to standing with Ukraine. Accordingly, Tsahkna said, the proposal by NATO's secretary general to create a €100 billion fund for assisting Ukraine over the next five years would be a step in the right direction.

"NATO must assume a greater role in supporting Ukraine," Tsahkna said. "Ukraine needs money, weapons and ammunition and that's what we must provide."

Tsahkna emphasised that Estonia has called on all countries of the Ramstein Coalition to allocate 0.25% of their GDP annually to military aid to Ukraine. "Our calculations show that this extent of support will help Ukraine prevail," the minister said.

Speaking about the July summit in Washington, Tsahkna said it must yield decisions that would significantly increase the security and defence capabilities of NATO. "It is crucial that the defence spending of all Allies increases to the minimum agreed 2% of GDP; however, in the current security situation, the need for a further increase in defence spending cannot be ruled out," Tsahkna noted.

At his meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Tsahkna reaffirmed Estonia's unwavering and long-term support for Ukraine. "We hope to sign a security agreement between Estonia and Ukraine soon, and it will include not only military support but also support for Ukraine in its European Union and NATO integration, sanctions policy, compensating damage to Ukraine, development cooperation, and reconstruction," Tsahkna said.