The summit focused mainly on the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, the central objective of which according to President Karis is to maintain the unity of the Allies and a strong bond with the United States at a time when the European security environment requires the Alliance to be more decisive and defensive. “Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defence, and our security is based on the commitment of all allies to NATO and Article 5,” said the Estonian head of state.
According to President Karis, the priorities of Estonia in Ankara are clear: achieving the level of defence spending agreed upon in The Hague, treating Russia as NATO’s biggest threat and a long-term threat, and continuing long-term political and military support for Ukraine.
According to the President of the Republic, the integrated air and missile defence plan of NATO and maintaining the presence of Allies on NATO’s Eastern Flank are an important part of this. “The presence of the Allies in our region is critical for the security of the whole Alliance,” he added.
According to President Karis, Russia remains the biggest long-term threat for NATO. “Russia has not given up its imperialist ambitions and is still constantly testing the Allies with sabotage and hybrid attacks. We must speak clearly about this threat and act to deter and counter it,” said the head of state.
At the meeting, President Karis confirmed that Estonia will continue to support Ukraine in every possible way. “We consider it our duty not only to talk about support for Ukraine, but to show it in action,” said President Karis. “Estonia continues to provide military aid to Ukraine of at least 0.25 percent of GDP. This includes more than 100 million euros worth of Estonian defence industry products, including the delivery of drones and counter-drone equipment to Ukraine in 2026.”
President Karis stressed that Ukraine’s membership in NATO is necessary for European security and that the Alliance must continue its long-term support for Ukraine. “Ukraine’s membership in NATO continues to be the strongest security guarantee for Ukraine and would also strengthen the Alliance,” said the Estonian head of state.
In Bucharest, NATO leaders also met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “It is the right time for Europe to act with ambition and determination to anchor Ukraine firmly in our political, economic and security structures. Europe must act with courage and stick to its principles,” added President Karis.
According to the President of the Republic, Russia’s war against Ukraine is a fundamental issue for Europe as a whole. “This war calls into question the cornerstones of European security: respect for territorial integrity, the inviolability of borders and the right of each country to choose its allies,” he said.
The situation in the Gulf region and its impact on international security and the global economy were also discussed at the summit. “Any further escalation of the situation must be avoided and the common line of action of the Allies must be kept strong. Neither Russia nor Iran must be allowed to benefit from regional instability,” said President Karis. The head of state also confirmed Estonia’s readiness to contribute, including with military capabilities, to help restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Photos: Raigo Pajula/Office of the President of the Republic: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCTEGK
