Estonian president discusses support for Ukraine with Czech counterpart

TALLINN – Estonian President Alar Karis, who is attending the Three Seas Initiative summit in Vilnius, discussed support for Ukraine, including on its path to the European Union and NATO, as well as securing the defense readiness of NATO's eastern flank at a meeting with Czech President Petr Pavel on Thursday.

According to Karis, it is necessary to continue strengthening the defense and deterrence posture of NATO's eastern flank and to speed up Ukraine's path to NATO.

Speaking about the enlargement of the European Union, the president considered it necessary to proceed quickly with the EU integration of Ukraine and Moldova.

"Ukraine has made good progress with reforms. A strong will to make reforms in the conditions of an ongoing war has brought impressive results. The European Union must make decisions on the legal framework of the accession talks with Ukraine in June at the latest," he added.

The president also expressed Estonia's interest in cooperation with the Czech Republic to support education reforms in Ukraine.

"Education and science in Ukraine need special attention and support," Karis said Karis, confirming the readiness of the Estonian Center for International Development (ESTDEV) for joint projects.

The Estonian head of state also praised the Czech initiative to assist Ukraine in acquiring missiles to support the country in resisting Russia's war of aggression.

"Ukraine urgently needs ammunition, weapons and equipment right here and now, we are doing our best to help them get it. Various initiatives to collect aid are very necessary, they support Ukrainians on the battlefield," Karis said.

When discussing cooperation between Estonia and the Czech Republic, the heads of state confirmed their interest in joint activities in digitalization and cyber security.

"We also see opportunities for cooperation in educational technology," Karis added.

The president also met with Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Petar Rajic in Vilnius on Thursday.