President Karis remarked that Russia crossed a major red line by launching a war to deprive the Ukrainians of an independent future. “Every day, Russian forces continue to attack hospitals, kindergartens and apartment buildings in the country,” he noted. “We are also seeing targeted strikes on Ukraine’s energy system. Russia aims to cripple Ukraine’s electricity supply, leaving its people cold and in the dark. These are all non-military targets. Attacking them is a war crime.”
The head of state says that establishing the founding principles of the UN Charter is vital to ensuring a secure future for all nations, regardless of their size. “That is why we must all commit to assisting Ukraine as a victim of war,” he urged. “We cannot stop halfway. Without a Ukrainian victory, neither Europe nor the world will be safe. Estonia’s commitment to providing ongoing military, political and economic support to Ukraine and its readiness to contribute to the reconstruction of the country remain unchanged.”
President Karis says the restoration of Ukraine is important so that people have somewhere to return to once the war ends. “The Ukrainians must have hope for a new beginning,” he said. “The basis for lasting peace and prosperity, alongside the reconstruction of the country, is Ukraine’s integration into the EU and NATO.”
The head of state stressed that international cooperation and coordination are crucial to the successful reconstruction of Ukraine. In early 2024, Estonia joined the Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform for Ukraine, which has an important role to play in streamlining the coordination of international aid.
Gallery (Raigo Pajula/Office of the President of the Republic): https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBJX6Z
