Estonian PM in Paris: Our pressure on Russia to not decrease

PARIS - Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal participated in a Ukraine support meeting in Paris on Thursday, where like-minded countries and the leaders of the European Union and NATO continued discussions on establishing lasting peace and ensuring Ukraine's security.

"Europe showed its strength with this meeting. We stand behind Ukraine and will continue to provide it with military, political and comprehensive support. Ukraine's first and best security guarantee is Ukraine's own strong army. Estonia has increased its military assistance by 25 percent this year, and similar news is coming from elsewhere," Michal said after the meeting.

The leaders of nearly 30 countries gathered in Paris agreed that political and economic pressure on the aggressor will not decrease, and that sanctions will continue because they work and are an effective method of pressure.

"The meeting showed that any illusions that Russia can be trusted have been cast aside," Michal said.

Planning for the next steps of the coalition of the willing continues on both the military and political levels. According to Michal, Estonia is ready to contribute proportionately, as this directly concerns our own security. The details of Estonia's possible contribution will be clarified during further discussions.