President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Jüri Ratas met with Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament of Ukraine) Dmytro Razumkov via a video bridge, and expressed complete support to Ukraine, especially in a situation where hostilities in separatist-controlled East Ukraine had intensified.

“Russia’s aggressive behaviour is dangerous,” Ratas said. “We commend Ukraine’s extraordinary restraint in the face of Russia’s provocations, and affirm that we support Ukraine’s aspirations towards Euro-Atlantic integration one hundred percent.”

The President of the Riigikogu also underlined that the fact that Ukraine had boldly continued to implement major and complex reforms, despite seven years of hostilities, deserved great credit. “Ukraine has undertaken a difficult judicial reform, and serious efforts are required to combat corruption, but we are sure that you can successfully meet all challenges.”

Ratas noted that Estonia was ready to share its experience and supported Ukraine in every way, be it treatment of the wounded, language lessons or cyber defence cooperation. “Ukraine is a priority country for Development Cooperation for Estonia,” Ratas said. “Also, the Riigikogu is willing to mediate its experience within the framework of parliamentary cooperation, for example in the implementation of digital solutions.”

Ratas also spoke of Estonia’s decision to allocate half a million euro for relieving the situation of internally displaced persons and the persons who have suffered in the conflict in Ukraine. The President of the Riigikogu added that Estonia particularly wanted to help children and vulnerable people living in conflict zones.  

The Baltic Sea gas pipeline Nord Stream 2 project was also touched upon at the meeting, and Ratas pointed out that Estonia together with other Baltic States and Poland had opposed it from the beginning.

Russia’s activities in East Ukraine, the problems relating to the water supply of Crimea and the COVID-19 situation both in Estonia and Ukraine, as well as the work of Parliaments during the health crisis were also discussed at the meeting.

Photos of the meeting (Author: Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Riigikogu Press Service