“Security is indivisible,” President Karis continued. “Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine poses an existential threat to the whole of Europe. Russia is continuing to build up its military capabilities and reinforcing its presence in the Baltic, Black and Mediterranean sea regions. This not only affects European security, but has global consequences – which is why it requires a global response.”
The head of state called on all countries to sign up to President Zelensky’s 10-point peace plan. “It sets out a specific path leading towards equitable and lasting peace,” he explained.
President Karis says that Russia’s decision to withdraw from the UN Black Sea Grain Initiative threatens worldwide food security. “Russia is deliberately destroying Ukrainian silos and ports to block grain exports,” he said. “All alternative routes must be kept open, including the possibility, which has so far gone unused, of channelling exports through Baltic ports.”
The Estonian head of state also touched on the peace summit held in the Saudi city of Jeddah, whose participants agreed that the UN Charter and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity must be defended. “That position forms a strong basis on which to establish peace,” President Karis remarked. “Estonia is doing and will continue to do everything it can to keep the rest of the world focussed on Russia’s war of aggression, including during next month’s UN General Assembly.”
President Karis said that for Estonia, it is clear how the war must end. “It will not be won with victory on the battlefield or the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity alone,” he cautioned. “It will not be over until the aggressor and its war criminals have been brought to account. The war will end when justice prevails.”
