Foreign Minister Tsahkna emphasised that Europe must takes on an even greater role in safeguarding the security of our continent. He also underscored the strategic importance of Ukraine’s integration into European and transatlantic structures as the most effective and credible security guarantee available for Ukraine. However, the discussion should also include the security guarantees Ukraine can provide to Europe, because security works both ways.
Foreign minister Tsahkna also warned against premature negotiations that could allow Russia to regroup without changing its strategic objectives. Tsahkna said that we can see signs of pressure and weakness within Russia but cautioned that Europe must remain united as Russia has not abandoned its objectives.
Failure to maintain momentum on enlargement, integration, and long-term support for Ukraine would represent a major geopolitical error with lasting consequences for European security. The minister also called for continued military support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Russia through sanctions.
Joining Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the panel were Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence of Germany Sebastian Hartmann, Director of Military Analysis and Senior Fellow at the think tank Defense Priorities Jennifer Kavanagh, and Senior Director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Mark Montgomery. The discussion was moderated by Shane Harris, Staff Writer at The Atlantic.
Later this evening, Foreign Minister Tsahkna will also meet Chair of the German Bundestag Defence Committee Thomas Röwekamp. The meeting will focus on deepening defence cooperation, continued support for Ukraine, issues related to European Union enlargement, and increasing pressure on Russia, including the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression in The Hague.
A recording of the panel discussion is available here.
Photos by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
