“Ukraine’s success on the battlefield is being met with cowardly missile strikes on Russia’s part on streets, houses, power stations and civilian infrastructure in Ukrainian cities,” President Karis lamented. “Those who have been killed and injured in these attacks are new pages in the endless list of crimes attributable to the aggressor. But they are also a constant reminder to us that Ukraine continues to need international assistance – both to keep the country running on a day-to-day basis and militarily in defending itself against attack – and that we do not have the right to tire in our support of a European country which has fallen victim to such aggression.”
The head of state gave President von der Leyen an overview of the help Estonia is providing to Ukrainian refugees, of whom the country is hosting almost 60,000. He also recognised the European Commission president for her dedicated support for Ukraine in opposing Russia’s war of aggression.
President Karis said it was important to him that Russia’s campaigns of disinformation outside of Europe be combatted. “We must be better in our communication and explain to others the impact of the consequences of Putin’s war,” he advised. “We must also focus on the teaching of history.”
President von der Leyen then provided an overview of what the European Commission is doing to assist Member States in coping with high energy prices. She and President Karis agreed that EU unity is required to resolve the energy crisis. “If we are to guarantee energy security, we must diversify our sources and wean ourselves off Russian energy,” the head of state remarked. “Estonia and Finland, for example, are working together to construct an LNG terminal. We are looking to erect off-shore wind farms in the Baltic Sea as well.”
President Karis said that it was also important for Europe to act as one on matters pertaining to cybersecurity.
