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Tsahkna in Lviv: We need to prepare for peace in Ukraine today

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

09.05.2025

On Europe Day today 9 May, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna was on a visit to Lviv, Ukraine, with his colleagues from the EU, the United Kingdom, Norway, Moldova and North Macedonia, to express comprehensive support for Ukraine, discuss Ukraine's journey to the EU and talk about ways of raising the cost of the war for Russia.

The meetings held in Lviv today, on Europe Day, focused on diplomatic efforts to contribute to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, for which preparations need to be made already today. "President Zelenskyy has repeatedly expressed his willingness to agree on a one-month ceasefire but Putin is rejecting this. Putin only understands the force of pressure and this pressure must come from a united and energised Europe," Foreign Minister Tsahkna said.

In Lviv Tsahkna said that it was important and urgent to increase defence assistance so that Ukraine could negotiate from a strong position and ensure its security even after the end of the war. Yesterday, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas announced the European Union's billion-euro investment in Ukraine's defence industry from the proceeds of the frozen assets of Russia's central bank. Estonia has decided to participate in the coalition of the willing planned by the United Kingdom and France in order to offer security guarantees to Ukraine. "We expect everyone to contribute," Tsahkna added.

The foreign minister emphasised that Europe's strength lies in its unity and ability to support those who wish to join the EU family. "Ukraine belongs in Europe and the European Union, and Estonia stands by Ukraine every step of the way," Tsahkna said.

"The pressure on Russia must increase by raising the cost of the war," the foreign minister said, adding that, among other things, the frozen assets of Russia's central bank must be used. "We must ensure that the aggressor is held accountable for the crime of aggression, international crimes, and other atrocities committed in Ukraine."

Tsahkna stressed that peace in Ukraine must be just. "We must not repeat the mistakes that were made after the Second World War. Ukraine needs action - military, humanitarian and political," he said. "We know what to do. Let's do it."