Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva held a meeting with Estonian Undersecretary for Economic and Development Affairs Mariin Ratnik.
Ihor Zhovkva thanked Estonia for its support of Ukraine and noted the country’s chairmanship of the NB8 format this year, as well as the leadership role of the Nordic and Baltic countries in countering Russia’s evasion of sanctions. Particular attention during the meeting was given to concrete steps to counter Russia’s tanker fleet, including the detention and confiscation of tankers and the imposition of sanctions on vessel owners and crew members.
Our country also appreciates Estonia’s decision to ban entry to individuals involved in Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Deputy Head of the Office of the President noted that the restrictions have already been applied to 261 Russian nationals. This decision is important and entirely fair. Two weeks ago, Ukraine initiated a proposal to ban entry to the European Union and impose sanctions on nearly 130 Russian commanders involved in crimes against Ukrainians, and submitted the relevant documentation on them and their immediate family members to the European Union. Ihor Zhovkva emphasized that Ukraine expects continued support for such initiatives from Estonia and other countries.
During the meeting, the parties also discussed specific decisions to support Ukraine, including the further development of the PURL initiative, to which Estonia has already made two contributions totaling €21 million.
They also addressed opportunities for developing joint production. Estonia is ready to consider financing projects involving resources from the SAFE instrument, with its application amounting to €2.7 billion.
In addition, the participants discussed preparations for the NB8 Summit, which will take place in June in Tallinn, as well as the development of joint security initiatives within this format with Ukraine’s participation.