Nordic, Baltic countries' contribution to helping Ukraine discussed in Reykjavik

TALLINN – The focus of the gathering of the Baltic Assembly and the Nordic Council in Reykjavik, Iceland, is the war in Ukraine, and alongside the Ukrainians, representatives of the democratic opposition of Russia and Belarus are also sharing experiences and seeking solutions.

Sven Sester, deputy chairman of the Estonian delegation of the Baltic Assembly, and member Anti Poolamets will speak on behalf of Estonia at the meeting.

Sester stressed that Ukraine, which is preparing for winter, must win the war started by Russia and all like-minded countries must make an effort to ensure that. "Winning the war is the only way to stop Putin's regime. Right now, Ukraine primarily needs weapon aid and training, and since winter is coming, also warm clothes. Military and humanitarian aid is necessary until the last Russian soldier leaves the territory of Ukraine," Sester said. "At the same time, all of Europe must continue to influence Russia with sanctions, first, for example, by imposing a visa ban on Russian citizens," he added.

Poolamets said that, on the one hand, Ukraine needs military aid as soon as possible and, on the other hand, to be included in European cooperation formats. "Ukrainians are fighting for all of us, the fight for territorial integrity and an independent democratic rule of law is also Estonia's fight. It makes sense that it is namely Estonia and the other Baltic countries that are a bridge that helps the Nordic countries better understand Ukraine and also the opposition of Belarus and Russia, so that the aid given to them is as effective as possible," Poolamets said. He added that he supports the proposal to include representatives of the opposition of Belarus and Russia as well as the representatives of Ukraine in future meetings of the Baltic Assembly and the Nordic Council as well.

Representatives of the parliaments of the Nordic and Baltic countries are also discussing the region's energy security and energy cooperation at the meeting. The meeting is taking place from Sept. 4 to 7.

The Baltic Assembly is a consultative cooperation organization of the parliaments of the three Baltic states, which discusses issues of mutual interest. A 12-member delegation of the parliament of Estonia represents Estonia in the assembly.