Estonian minister in Kyiv: Ukraine’s victory comes through strength

TALLINN – Ukrainians are resolved to fight and win, they only need the military means to fight off the aggressor, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said, speaking during his visit to Kyiv on Wednesday.

In Kyiv, Tsahkna met with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The latter briefed the Estonian foreign minister thoroughly on the situation on the front and on the most critical needs of Ukrainians, the Foreign Ministry in Tallinn said in a press release.

"In the preceding night, I witnessed one of the most massive air strikes in recent times by Russia, targeting Ukraine's energy and civilian infrastructure," Tsahkna said. "To repel Russia's systematic aerial terror, ensure critical services for Ukrainians and save lives, it is crucial to reinforce Ukraine's air defense capabilities."

The minister said that Ukrainians are committed to victory and it is possible to achieve it if allies stay at their side and continue to provide military aid.

"Russia is not all-powerful and it can be forced into retreat if Ukraine is helped to a stronger position militarily. Russia only understands force," Tsahkna said. 

The meetings included in-depth talks on pressuring Russia through sanctions and using frozen Russian assets, and discussions covered Ukraine's path to European Union and NATO membership.

The Estonian minister also visited a rehabilitation center for wounded soldiers and placed an Estonian flag on the Alley of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes.