“For peace in Europe, we need Ukraine in the European Union, we need Ukraine in NATO”
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas supported Kyiv’s calls for accession to the NATO military alliance “as soon as conditions allow” during a visit to Ukraine on Apr. 24, 2023.
Kallas had talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the northwestern city of Zhytomyr; they signed a joint declaration condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “We agree that a strong, independent and prosperous Ukraine, as part of the Euro-Atlantic family and as a member of the EU and NATO, is essential for the future of European security,” the joint declaration said.
“In the context of the NATO Vilnius Summit (in July), we agree to work together to establish a path that will help bring Ukraine closer to NATO membership and pave the way for Ukraine to join NATO as soon as conditions allow.”
Zelenskyy thanked Estonia for its defense support and also reiterated demands for rapid deliveries of more weapons from Western allies “so that we can speed up the end of this war.” “To summarise my visit to Ukraine. Estonia believes in Ukraine and Ukraine’s victory. We remain committed to helping Ukraine win this war. For peace in Europe, we need Ukraine in the European Union, we need Ukraine in NATO. #SlavaUkraini,” Kallas wrote on Twitter.
