Estonian PM: Ukraine must be free to decide its own future

TALLINN - Ukraine must be free to decide its own future and security, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said on Wednesday at a video meeting of the coalition of the willing, which was also attended by US Vice President J.D. Vance.

"Ukraine must have the freedom to decide on matters concerning its future, including its security arrangements and the size and capabilities of its armed forces," Michal told his colleagues.

"A just and lasting peace can only be achieved by respecting international law -- the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states must be guaranteed. Borders must not be changed by force," he added.

The leaders attending the meeting agreed that pressure on Russia must continue. The Estonian prime minister also emphasized the same in his speech.

"The sanctions are working, they must not be relaxed," Michal said.

According to Michal, the coalition of the willing is an important partner for Ukraine, both in providing military assistance and in continuing to pressure Russia.

"Substantive negotiations can only take place under conditions of a ceasefire, for which Ukraine has long been ready. However, Russia has not changed its goals and continues to kill," he said.

After the video call ended, the prime minister confirmed that the atmosphere of the meeting was good and that the countries had similar understandings of the next steps.

In addition to various European and free world leaders, the video meeting was attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US representatives Vice President J.D. Vance and Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg.