Estonian formin to Israeli counterpart: Russia must meet a painful failure in Ukraine

TALLINN – Estonian Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets said at a meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid on Monday that Russia must meet a painful failure in Ukraine.

Liimets met with Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Monday. The meetings focused on the changed security situation in Europe, Russia’s war in Ukraine, bilateral relations and regional security in the Middle East, spokespeople for the ministry said.

At her meeting with Lapid, Liimets emphasized that to end Russia’s war, it was crucial to make sure their aggressive plans end in both military and political failure, and to continue offering Ukraine every assistance. "Repelling Russia’s aggression and forcing it back to its borders is in the interests of the entire democratic world. This war must end up as a painful strategic mistake for a long time for Russia, so that the invasion of the territories of sovereign states and the killing of peaceful people is not repeated," Liimets said.

Touching upon the good bilateral relations of Estonia and Israel when meeting the foreign minister and the defense minister, Liimets highlighted our wish to develop cyber and digital cooperation further. "We can see great potential for sharing our experiences and lessons with each other. Israel is a key state for Estonia in cyber security and we already have an active dialogue on this topic," the Estonian foreign minister said. Liimets added that advancing defense cooperation between the two states was also important.

Speaking about the security situation and peace process of the Middle East at her meetings with the foreign minister and the defense minister, Liimets emphasized the need for regional stability.

During her visit, the Estonian foreign minister will also meet with national security adviser Eyal Hulata and chairman of the Estonia-Israel parliamentary group Simon Davidson.

Liimets on Monday also placed a wreath on the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and visited the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation. On Tuesday, the foreign minister will visit the Gaza line of contact.