Discussing Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine, Tsahkna said he hoped the EU would use the historic opportunity this week and take the decision to launch accession negotiations with Ukraine. “Ukraine has done its homework and is ready to take the next step towards joining the EU. I truly hope that the EU leaders meeting later this week will take advantage of this opportunity,” he said.
At the start of the meeting, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba briefed the ministers on the situation in Ukraine. “While the West is getting ready to celebrate the holidays in their warm and safe homes, Ukrainians are fighting for the security of Europe and the values of us all despite relentless air strikes by Russia for almost 22 months now,” Tsahkna said. “We have promised to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine until their victory and we will do so for as long as necessary. At the same time, we must accelerate the delivery of aid, especially military and defence aid, so that Ukraine could continue its struggle for freedom against the aggressor.”
Tsahkna noted that in addition to supporting Ukraine, it was critical to take additional steps to raise the cost of the war for Russia, including adopting additional sanctions against Russia. “Work on the 12th package of EU sanctions is ongoing and I really hope we can adopt it this week in order to reduce Russia’s ability to fund its brutal war in Ukraine,” he said. “I hope that all member states understand the importance of the decisions that have an impact on Europe and Russia’s war, and we can come to an agreement on financial and military aid to Ukraine and EU enlargement.”
Speaking about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Tsahkna said he was following developments in Israel and Gaza with a heavy heart, with humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza meeting new difficulties following the end of the temporary ceasefire. “Civilians in Gaza must be ensured continued, quick, safe and stable humanitarian aid,” he said, adding that Israel was fully entitled to defend itself within international law against attacks by the Hamas terrorist organisation. “I would also like to repeat that Hamas must immediately release the hostages they have taken from Israel.”
The ministers also spoke about the situation in the Sahel region and held the annual meeting of the foreign ministers of the EU and Eastern Partnership countries. On the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council, Tsahkna had a meeting with his Moldovan counterpart Nicu Popescu to express support for the launch of EU accession talks with Moldova.
The minister’s doorstep statement is available here: https://x.com/Tsahkna/status/1734131861033460042?s=20
Photos of the meeting are available here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry/albums/72177720313304076
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