Estonian formin: A just, lasting peace requires strong security guarantees

TALLINN - Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna said that at Monday's meeting in Washington, European leaders demonstrated unity and unwavering support for Ukraine, and there was a shared understanding of the need for strong security guarantees for the country.

"The meeting in Washington took place in a constructive spirit, where Europe showed that it stands united behind Ukraine and that together we must contain an aggressive Russia. A just and lasting peace requires security guarantees with the involvement of both Europe and the United States. There is no better security guarantee than NATO's collective defense, but until that point is reached, swift work must be undertaken to establish guarantees, the essence of which must be a commitment to defending Ukraine with real military capabilities should aggression recur," he said.

The foreign minister stressed that an agreement on security guarantees must form the basis of peace negotiations.

"We must also continue working to raise the cost of aggression and to support Ukraine. The European Union must make quick progress with the 19th sanctions package and Ukraine's EU accession negotiations. Security guarantees and European Union membership can ensure Ukraine's security, economic sustainability, and political stability," Tsahkna added.