In Tallinn, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of Estonia Alar Karis.
The Head of State thanked Estonia for organizing the Ukraine – Nordic-Baltic Summit.
“The main thing that is very important today is to prepare for the negotiations and decisions that we all expect from the summits at the European Union, G7, and NATO levels. June and July this year may determine a lot,” the President of Ukraine noted.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that there must be clear movement in diplomacy so that Russia does not think the war can still bring it anything. Ukrainian positions on the frontline are strong, and Ukraine’s long-range capabilities are having a strong impact on Russian logistics, oil refining, and military production, which has already led to gasoline shortages and the absence of normal communications in temporarily occupied Crimea and some Russian regions.
“Russia’s budget is showing serious cracks. We need to keep up the pressure and ultimately force Russia onto the diplomatic track. The day before yesterday in the E3 format, and today in our NB8 format, and later at the EU Summit, we will be speaking precisely about this – how Europe should be part of the negotiations and when real movement in these negotiations can begin. Europe needs a real and strong voice in the negotiations and must be among those who will make decisions,” the Head of State emphasized.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during yesterday’s conversation with envoys of the U.S. President, they discussed that America is ready to actively engage in diplomatic processes.
The President of Ukraine noted that as long as the war continues, air defense remains Ukraine’s priority. During the meetings in Estonia, the Head of State discussed Ukraine’s needs in detail with the leaders of the countries that can help: contributions to the PURL initiative and bilateral work, including on anti-ballistic capabilities.
Special attention was given to Ukraine’s expectations for strong political decisions by the European Union.
“Ukraine has done everything necessary to open six clusters in the negotiations on our future membership, and it is now, at the upcoming European Union meetings, that decisions on this should be made. There are no obstacles. And it is important that this progress is made – that the clusters are opened – and that the Russians also see that Europe keeps its promises and does not give up its interests,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
President of Estonia Alar Karis noted that Ukraine is an integral part of Europe.
“Ukraine’s place is in the European Union and NATO. The promise of European membership cannot simply remain on paper. Estonia supports the swift opening of all clusters in Ukraine’s accession negotiations with the European Union. This must happen already this summer – now, in June – because there are no obstacles left,” he said.
They also discussed introducing new sanctions packages against Russia. The Head of State noted that the Baltic Sea and the North Sea must not be a free operating space for Russia’s shadow fleet. The President of Estonia supported the need to increase pressure on the Russian Federation, including by applying stronger restrictions on Russian energy resources.
According to Alar Karis, attention should also be paid to attempts to normalize Russia’s participation in international sports and culture.
