Prime Minister Kallas says the security situation in Europe has changed beyond all recognition and that a war is being waged on European soil the likes of which has not been seen since World War II. “200,000 of Putin’s soldiers are attacking a peaceful country,” she said. “They are bombing people’s homes, hospitals, schools, kindergartens – committing the most heinous crimes. Russia’s leaders have become outright aggressors and Russia itself a pariah state that must be isolated both politically and economically.”
The Estonian head of government says that hard-hitting measures must also be implemented against the Belarusian regime for supporting Russia in its war. “Ukraine has made it known that Lukashenka’s forces have also invaded Ukrainian territory,” Prime Minister Kallas said. “Thereby Belarus has also become an aggressor.”
Prime Minister Kallas says it is beholden on everyone to support Ukraine. “At present the priority is ensuring that military assistance and humanitarian aid reach the country as quickly as possible, and that we help refugees fleeing the warzone,” she said. During their meeting, Prime Minister Kallas and Secretary General Stoltenberg discussed ways in which NATO can assist Ukraine in the face of Russia’s wide-ranging aggression. “Allies are bilaterally sending the Ukrainians armaments and also providing financial and humanitarian aid,” the Estonian head of government explained.
Prime Minister Kallas stressed that living alongside a pariah state also demands rapid changes to Estonia’s own defence and that NATO adapt quickly to the reality of the new situation. “The United Kingdom, France, the United States and Denmark have taken significant steps to increase their presence here in Estonia,” she said. “However, even weightier decisions need to be made to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank so as to permanently boost the alliance’s presence. These are being prepared for the Madrid summit.”
Also attending today’s meeting were Minister of Foreign Affairs Eva-Maria Liimets and Minister of Defence Kalle Laanet.
Minister Liimets says the meeting confirmed that NATO allies stand united at this critical time for security and that they are prepared to face any and all threats and challenges. Estonia, along with its allies and partners, will not waver in its support for Ukraine, providing the country with humanitarian aid and defence assistance.
Minister Laanet underscored the fact that in launching defensive plans, NATO had taken an important step to defend its allies and deter Russia. “What we are dealing with is a preventive measure to ensure the placement of allied forces and military capabilities in the right place at the right time,” he said. “There remains no direct threat to Estonia, but the alliance must be prepared to respond to growing risks.”
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