Estonian formin in Lviv: Pressure on Putin must come from a united Europe

TALLINN - On Europe Day on Friday, May 9, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna was on a visit to Lviv, Ukraine, with his colleagues from the EU, the United Kingdom, Norway, Moldova and North Macedonia, and said that the pressure for a cease-fire, directed at Russian President Vladimir Putin, must come from a united and action-ready Europe.

The meetings held in Lviv on Friday focused on diplomatic efforts to contribute to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, for which preparations need to be made already today.

"President Zelenskyy has repeatedly expressed his willingness to agree on a one-month ceasefire but Putin is rejecting this. Putin only understands the force of pressure and this pressure must come from a united and energized Europe," Tsahkna said.

The foreign minister said that it was important and urgent to increase defense assistance so that Ukraine could negotiate from a strong position and ensure its security even after the end of the war.

On Thursday, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas announced the European Union's billion-euro investment in Ukraine's defense industry from the proceeds of the frozen assets of Russia's central bank. Estonia has decided to participate in the coalition of the willing planned by the United Kingdom and France in order to offer security guarantees to Ukraine.

"We expect everyone to contribute," Tsahkna added.

The foreign minister emphasized that Europe's strength lies in its unity and ability to support those who wish to join the EU family.

"Ukraine belongs in Europe and the European Union, and Estonia stands by Ukraine every step of the way," Tsahkna said.

"The pressure on Russia must increase by raising the cost of the war," the foreign minister said, adding that, among other things, the frozen assets of Russia's central bank must be used. "We must ensure that the aggressor is held accountable for the crime of aggression, international crimes, and other atrocities committed in Ukraine."

Tsahkna stressed that peace in Ukraine must be just.

"We must not repeat the mistakes that were made after World War II. Ukraine needs action -- military, humanitarian and political," he said. "We know what to do. Let's do it."