The meeting focused extensively on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. According to Foreign Minister Tsahkna, continued support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia to end the war are crucial for the security of Europe as a whole. “We are working closely with the United Kingdom to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine. Russia must understand that the cost of continuing its aggression must be higher than the cost of ending it, and this requires continued pressure on Russia. The United Kingdom’s sanctions policy has been very important in this regard, and the European Union must also continue to increase sanctions pressure. We must also continue our cooperation to counter Russia’s hybrid activities,” Tsahkna said.
“The outcome of Russia’s aggression will affect the security of Europe as a whole. Ukraine must now be provided with everything it needs to defend itself, while Ukraine’s supporters must already be preparing for the post-war period and developing security guarantees that will make a recurrence of the aggression impossible,” said Tsahkna.
The foreign ministers also discussed potential cooperation in light of the Ukraine Recovery Conference taking place in Estonia in January. “Even while the war is still ongoing, we need to take active steps to support Ukraine’s recovery. The Ukraine Recovery Conference taking place in Estonia next January will be crucial for advancing Ukraine’s recovery and providing the assistance Ukraine urgently needs during the difficult winter of the war,” Tsahkna said.
The foreign ministers also discussed defence cooperation between the two countries. “We highly value the United Kingdom’s contribution to our security and its readiness to stand alongside Estonian soldiers from the very first moment, jointly defending not only Estonia but the security of the entire NATO Alliance. Estonian and British soldiers work together and train side by side every day. As Brigadier Jamie Murray, the commander of the British troops stationed in Estonia, said recently, he would go into battle immediately if necessary. This is a very clear message both to our people and to our adversary,” Tsahkna said.
“The presence of British troops in Estonia is an important part of a strong deterrence and defence posture. Our task is to continue strengthening defence cooperation between Estonia and the United Kingdom. The growing defence investments of NATO’s European Allies and Canada are also important, as they enable NATO to meet the capability targets it has set,” Tsahkna said.
Tomorrow, the Foreign Minister will take part in discussions on European security at the GZERO Summit and the RUSI think tank in London.
Photos from the Foreign Minister’s visit https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD6THb
