Foreign Minister Liimets at the Foreign Affairs Council: Ukraine needs our political and practical assistance now

Today 24 January, Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets attended a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, where the foreign ministers of the European Union discussed the tense security situation in Europe and at the Russian-Ukrainian border and ways of helping Ukraine. The ministers also had an exchange of views on the same topic with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Foreign Minister Liimets said that the EU and NATO were organisations based on shared democratic values and during difficult times they must demonstrate the unity of members, be prepared to stand up for the security of Europe and support Ukraine that is currently under serious pressure. "The discussion of European Union foreign ministers and the meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Blinken reaffirmed our continued resolve to find a diplomatic and peaceful solution to the extremely complicated security situation. At the same time, we are determined to give a strong response to any potential new aggression. This is why it is crucial for the European Union to be fully prepared to adopt the most extensive sanctions package yet that would firstly act as a deterrent to Russia and could be implemented immediately in case of a military attack. We must also be prepared to extend these sanctions to Belarus if they are complicit in an attack against Ukraine."

Liimets reaffirmed Estonia's unwavering support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine and underlined that support to Ukrainians, both political and practical, was more important than ever at this point. "At the Council meeting I emphasised to my colleagues that we must increase comprehensive support that would help Ukraine counter potential military attacks as well as cyber and information attacks. We must also provide development assistance and humanitarian aid to Ukraine if necessary and help reduce the impact of the direct threat of war on the country's economy, for example, by expediting the access to the European market for Ukrainian goods. Our assistance to Ukraine for implementing forward-looking reforms and closer integration with the European Union could involve the digital market or connecting their electricity networks with Europe. Until then, we must continue our close communication with Ukraine, show our support with visits on the ground and keep the international community constantly focused on the concerns of Ukrainians," the foreign minister said.

At today's Foreign Affairs Council, the ministers also discussed Syria and Libya, and current topics such as Mali, Sudan and the implementation of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Additional information:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Communication Department
[email protected]