Estonian PM following Zelensky's address: Russia's war displaying clear signs of genocide

TALLINN - Following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address to the Estonian parliament on Wednesday, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas made a statement saying that Russia's war against Ukraine displays clear signs of genocide.

"Today, in the chamber of Riigikogu, I listened to the video address of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky. The fortitude and courage with which President Zelensky is leading his country and his people in these inhumane circumstances is remarkable. This is the situation that no one can really fully understand unless they have personally experienced it. I admire his direct and open communication today, but also his approach in addressing national parliamentarians across the world. This is an important effort and will help to ensure that Ukraine's messages and knowledge of Russia's war crimes reach all the people of the free world," Kallas said. 

In her statement, the prime minister said that Russian leaders have clearly demonstrated their will to destroy the Ukrainian state and people in both words and deeds

"Russia's war against Ukraine displays clear signs of genocide. At the same time, we have not yet seen the full extent of the crimes committed by the Kremlin. Russia is preparing for a major attack on the eastern part of Ukraine. Human suffering of Mariupol has not yet reached us in photos or videos. Our message is clear -- the perpetrators and planners of genocide and crimes against humanity will be brought to justice. Estonia and the European Union support the prosecutor of Ukraine and the International Criminal Court in investigating these crimes. We also send our experts to support the investigation and gather evidence. At the initiative of the Estonian public prosecutor's office, Estonia will also gather evidence," the prime minister said.

"President Zelensky thanked Estonia for being one of their most principled friends. It is of symbolic significance that President Karis is in Kyiv today with the Latvian, Lithuanian and Polish presidents to express additional support for Ukraine," Kallas added.

The prime minister said that Estonia must help Ukraine win this war and defeat the attack.

"Until the war in Ukraine is not over, the free world has not done enough to help Ukraine. Our focus must remain on providing military assistance and maximum political and economic isolation of the Kremlin. In order to stop the Kremlin's war machine, the cessation of energy revenues is of key importance, as it is the largest source of revenue for the Putin regime. Our aim is for the European Union to introduce a new package of sanctions at the earliest opportunity, mainly focusing on the energy sources. To this end, I have also proposed that EU leaders gather as soon as possible to take these decisions," Kallas said in her statement.