Deputy head of Estonian parlt committee says Ukraine needs political, military support

TALLINN - Deputy chairman of the Riigikogu foreign affairs committee Mihhail Lotman said on Wednesday that Russia is blatantly violating Ukraine's sovereignty, which is why Ukraine needs the political and military support of all allies.

Lotman, in his remarks delivered upon the presentation of the draft Riigikogu declaration "On the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine," said the Riigikogu must clearly condemn the Russian aggression in Ukraine and further steps are now important.

"In addition to the economic assistance approved by the European Commission, it is necessary to provide Ukraine with a clear roadmap to EU and NATO membership. At the same time, extensive  sanctions must be imposed on Russia and military assistance must be provided to Ukraine," Lotman said.

The opposition Isamaa MP said the Putin regime is committing a crime against both a sovereign state and peace in the world.

"A crime cannot go unpunished and criminals must be held accountable. For this, a relevant tribunal needs to be created in the International Court of Justice in The Hague already now," he said. 

Lotman stressed that special attention must be paid to countering Russian propaganda. The transmission of the programs of the media outlets spreading Russian war propaganda and ethnic hatred must be barred. Isamaa party has initiated a corresponding legislative amendment in the Riigikogu and hopes for its swift approval, he added.