The Estonian head of state remarked that Ukraine’s future was in NATO and that its path to membership of the alliance was irreversible. “The Washington Summit made it clear that allied military assistance to Ukraine would continue and that there would be a significant increase in NATO’s diplomatic presence in Kyiv,” he said.
President Karis also spoke with President Zelenskyy about the Ukrainian peace settlement, which provides a framework for a just and lasting peace. “Our position is that a just peace is based on the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, on justice being served and on the country’s accession to both NATO and the EU,” he explained. The heads of state also touched on the reforms being implemented in Ukraine, and President Karis reiterated Estonia’s unwavering dedication to the rebuilding of the beleaguered nation.
Energy security and Estonia’s assistance in restoring Ukraine’s energy infrastructure were also discussed during the meeting. “Since the start of full-scale war, Estonia has been sending a range of energy equipment to Ukraine with the help of the private sector, and that is ongoing,” President Karis said.
At the end of the meeting, President Zelenskyy presented President Karis with the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 1st Class, which the Estonian head of state was awarded on Ukrainian Independence Day for his significant personal contribution to strengthening cooperation between the countries, supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and popularising the Ukrainian state around the world.
President Karis will be returning to Estonia on Saturday.
