Formin: Closer integration of Ukraine with NATO would strengthen Estonia's security

TALLINN - Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Reinsalu introduced to members of the government on Thursday an action plan for strengthening relations between NATO and Ukraine, which contains principles and proposals how to continue comprehensively supporting Ukraine and bolster the country's relations with NATO.

Reinsalu said that Ukraine needs long-lasting help to stand up to Russia's war of aggression and to integrate with the Euro-Atlantic structures.

"Ukraine is fighting for the security of Europe and the values we deem important. The support of us, the allies and the whole alliance to Ukraine helps it stand up to the threat from Russia," the foreign minister said.

For Estonia, it is equally important to integrate Ukraine step by step through practical cooperation into possible NATO cooperation formats. Estonia is also guided in its actions by the decision made at the 2008 Bucharest summit that Ukraine is to become a member of NATO.

A foreign affairs ministers meeting is scheduled to take place in Bucharest from Nov. 23 to 30 where relations between NATO and Ukraine will be one of the topics of discussion.