“The Ukrainian armed forces and people have shown immense courage. It is a proud feeling to see reports of success along Ukraine’s eastern front – it is a sure sign that our collective aid has had a positive impact and that it must continue. Russia’s intentions to destroy the free and sovereign Ukraine do not show signs of changing, so we have no reason to make concessions in our efforts,” said the Estonian defence minister at his meeting with the Ukrainian president. He added that Estonia is continuously looking for ways to support Ukraine with weapons and equipment. “I was interested in hearing from the Minister of Defence about the specifics of aid that is needed now – that will be the basis for putting together our next aid package to Ukraine. In addition, we are currently contributing towards training efforts,” said Pevkur.
During the visit, minister Pevkur handed the symbolic keys to a field hospital, made in Estonia with financing from Germany, to minister Reznikov. The Role 2 military field hospital donation project also received aid from NGO Slava Ukraini. This is the second field hospital Estonia is delivering, after the first one donated in February that has already proven its use in battle.
At a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba, the ministers discussed bilateral activities in efforts toward Ukrainian membership of the European Union and in relations with Allies. “In the European Union, we have to keep raising the price of aggression for Russia as high as possible. Right now it is important to stop issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens. Maintaining unity in the EU is equally important – we have to actively convince the other Member States both of the need to toughen sanctions as well as quickly helping Ukraine,” said Pevkur.
At his last meeting in Kyiv, Pevkur participated online at the Copenhagen Conference on aid to Ukraine alongside ministers of defence Reznikov and Bødskov. “It was great to see such a wide range of participants, all committed to continuing support to Ukraine. Plans for coordinating aid are becoming increasingly concrete and clear. Estonia supporting with training fits the overall picture very well,” added Pevkur.