Speaking during the discussion on technological developments on the modern battlefield, Tsahkna stressed that Ukraine’s experience in repelling Russia’s aggression is invaluable for strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities.
“Ukraine is fighting every day for the security of the entire Western world,” the Foreign Minister said. “Its ability not only to withstand Russian attacks but also to carry out precise deep strikes against Russian infrastructure directly supporting the Kremlin’s war machine is a testament to Ukraine’s ingenuity, innovation and highly capable defence forces. Europe has much to learn from this. That is why we must continue integrating Ukraine into Euro-Atlantic structures, including the European Union. This is an opportunity to strengthen the security of us all.”
Tsahkna said that, at a time when Ukraine is making strategic gains and Putin is becoming increasingly desperate, the allies have two clear tasks: to continue supporting Ukraine comprehensively through both military and economic means, and to increase pressure on Russia on the international stage.
“Sanctions, international isolation and Ukraine’s successes on the battlefield have backed Russia into a corner,” he said. “Although the European Union today disbursed €3.2 billion to Ukraine from its €90 billion loan package, our task remains to accelerate support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia until Putin realises that his objectives have failed. A just and lasting peace can only be achieved if Russia is held accountable. Now is the time to isolate Russia, not to make concessions.”
The Minister also stressed the need to continue investing in defence and strengthening NATO’s eastern flank. “Putin’s ambitions do not stop with Ukraine,” the Foreign Minister emphasised. “Our task is to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank so that an attack against any NATO Ally becomes impossible. The best defence is preparedness.”
On the sidelines of the conference, Tsahkna met Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation. They discussed strengthening cooperation on Ukraine’s reconstruction, bilateral defence cooperation and security in the Middle East. “We highly value the UAE’s willingness to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and the development of its human capital,” Tsahkna said. “The memorandum of cooperation signed last September creates new opportunities to promote education, digital skills and entrepreneurship in Ukraine.”
During his meeting with Ayano Kunimitsu, Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations in the fields of the economy, defence and digital cooperation, support for and reconstruction of Ukraine, cyber cooperation within the Tallinn Mechanism framework, and the broader global security situation.
This year, Estonia is represented at the Ukraine Recovery Conference with its own pavilion, where six Estonian companies from the IT, defence, energy and construction sectors are showcasing their solutions: Harmet, Nortal, Zero Terrain, Eleks, DefSecIntel and Primostar. These companies are already contributing to Ukraine’s resilience or reconstruction efforts. The pavilion also features representatives of the e-Governance Academy and the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV). Milrem and the Digital Logistics Centre are also exhibiting at the conference.
“Ukraine’s reconstruction is the largest economic project in Europe for the coming years,” Tsahkna stressed. “It is not only about rebuilding destroyed infrastructure, but also about supporting a strong, resilient and democratic Ukraine. It is important for Estonian companies to become involved in this process at an early stage – to share their expertise and solutions while also learning from Ukraine’s experience.”
On the sidelines of the conference, ESTDEV, Ukraine’s Ministry of Veterans Affairs and NATO signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at improving the security and accessibility of digital services for Ukrainian veterans.
Photos from the conference: https://www.flickr.com/gp/estonian-foreign-ministry/yb0EPgg675
