The Estonian head of state says he expects the Washington summit to deliver unambiguous confirmation that NATO will help the Ukrainians defend themselves until the war of aggression instigated by Russia comes to an end. “The alliance has previously overcome its concerns regarding military support for Ukraine, and there should be no limits on further assistance,” he remarked. “What is most important is that we do not create obstacles for ourselves, because the Kremlin never places obstacles in its own path. The help we have given Ukraine has already had an effect and reassured the Ukrainian defenders on the frontline.”
President Karis added that Russia will not win in Ukraine, but withdraw from the country in defeat, without having achieved its military or political aims. “Ukraine becoming part of the transatlantic security infrastructure and a member of the EU forms a key part of that Russian defeat,” he said. “We are doing everything we can to accelerate Ukraine’s NATO accession.” The head of state spoke of the need to work more closely with Ukraine’s defence industry as well, pointing out that Estonia has launched joint projects with Ukrainian defence companies that are of economic and military benefit to the beleaguered country.
NATO’s Washington summit in July will focus on the security threat posed by Russia. “That the authoritarian regime in Russia is demonstratively framing itself as a challenger to the alliance and to the democratic Western world as a whole is something we can all see,” he remarked. “Russia has initiated hybrid operations against multiple targets. That is why it is vital that NATO allies at the Washington summit pledge to fulfil their political responsibility to rapidly increase the alliance’s collective defence readiness. Meat now has to be added to the bones of NATO’s regional defence plans. They require forces. They require arms – especially rocket and artillery systems and ammunition, of which there is currently a critical shortage. We all know that strength, force and actual readiness are the only convincing deterrent where Russia is concerned.”
President Karis added that all of this requires greater defence spending from the alliance. “It is becoming increasingly clear that 2% of GDP from each and every one of us may still not be enough,” he warned. “NATO’s defence plans need more from all of its allies. It is important that we invest in our most critical capabilities, that we help to fill key gaps and that we continue to show unwavering support for Ukraine. The countries on NATO’s eastern flank can and must set an example in this regard.” The head of state also mentioned the Allied Capability Delivery Commitment devised by Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania for the Washington summit, which outlines Europe’s needs and actions.
The B9 format incorporates Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria. The objective of today’s meeting was to harmonise the countries’ positions on key issues pertaining to the security and defence of the alliance’s eastern flank ahead of the full summit in Washington. The event was hosted by President Edgars Rinkēvičs of Latvia, President Klaus Iohannis of Romania and President Andrzej Duda of Poland. Also taking part were NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, President Alexander Stubb of Finland and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson of Sweden.
