Estonia with all its deeds, all its people emphasizes great support for Ukraine. We appreciate it! – Ruslan Stefanchuk
13 December 2022, 13:18
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk met with Speaker of the Parliament (Riigikogu) of the Republic of Estonia Juri Ratas. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine met with the Chairman of the Parliament (Riigikogu) of Estonian Republic Juri Ratas.
Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed sincere gratitude to the Estonian people, the Government and the Parliament, in particular to the Speaker of the Riigikogu Juri Ratas, for constant not only demonstration, but above all practical support of Ukraine throughout the full-scale war. He reminded that the Speaker of the Riigikogu had been one of the first among the heads of parliaments of the world to come to Ukraine with his colleagues from Lithuania and Latvia to personally demonstrate his devotion and commitment to Ukraine in its struggle against the aggressor.
«This is another manifestation of Estonian solidarity with the Ukrainian people who heroically resist the russian invasion,» the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine emphasized.
First of all, he thanked the Parliament of Estonia for all political decisions in support of Ukraine, which became an example for other countries to follow.
«This is the recognition by Estonia of the crimes of russia against Ukraine as genocide and the russian regime as terrorist. I am also grateful for the latest decision of the Government of Estonia to approve another package of military assistance to Ukraine,» Ruslan Stefanchuk said.
He stressed that Estonia’s assistance is tangible in all spheres where Ukraine needs it, in particular in military, financial, humanitarian assistance, sanctions pressure on russia, support for energy security of Ukrainians. The Estonia’s effective participation is important in further restoration of Ukraine.
The parties also discussed further steps of Ukraine on the way to full membership in the European Union and NATO.
«Estonia emphasizes its great support for Ukraine by all its deeds, by all its people. We appreciate it! » stressed the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine during a joint briefing after the meeting.
The Speaker of the Parliament (Riigikogu) of the Republic of Estonia Juri Ratas, in his turn, noted that it was his third visit to Ukraine, and he never ceases to admire the courage, bravery and steadfastness of Ukrainians «who resist, defending democratic values not only of their country, their nation, but also of the family of European nations and the whole world».
He also assured his Ukrainian counterpart that Estonia will continue to provide comprehensive political, military support to Ukraine and assist in its progress towards NATO and full membership in the EU.
«Estonia, together with our sister countries, will do everything necessary for Ukraine to achieve the noble goal of joining the EU and NATO without any obstacles. We believe that this is an important need for the security of the whole Europe, » the Chairman of the Estonian Parliament emphasized at the joint briefing after the meeting.
Juri Ratas also dwelled on the issue of fair punishment for russia for the crimes committed against the Ukrainian people: «Undermining the very life in Ukraine is an act of terror, an act of genocide. Estonia will proclaim this fact in every possible way, condemn it and support your nation».
In addition, the President of the Riigikogu informed that Estonia was already involved in the restoration of Ukraine without waiting for the end of the war. In particular, Zhytomyr region is under the patronage of the Republic, where several infrastructure facilities affected by the russian invaders are being restored with the assistance of Estonia.
In conclusion, Juri Ratas once again emphasized that Estonia had never doubted the victory of Ukraine in this war and would stand by it until the end:
«I would like to express my solidarity with the Ukrainian people, my strong support for Ukraine and assure you that Estonia will stand side by side with you as long as necessary... Ukraine will win! russia will lose this war! Glory to Ukraine!».
