Estonian minister: Supporting Ukraine is EU's strategic interest

TALLINN – Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on Thursday hailed the agreement reached at the European Council to set up a 50 billion euro assistance facility for Ukraine.

"I very much welcome the very important agreement reached in the European Council in Brussels today to establish the Ukraine Facility of 50 billion euros for 2024-2027," Tsahkna said.

"For almost two years now, Ukraine has been fighting for the security of the whole of Europe, and it needs our support not only today, but for a long time. Today's decision shows that we are ready to together provide this support, as supporting Ukraine is a strategic interest and priority for the EU," the minister said.

The European Union on Thursday announced a consensus on a deal to provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros in financial assistance, overcoming opposition from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at an emergency summit in Brussels.

All 27 leaders agreed to an additional 50 billion euro support package for Ukraine within the EU budget.