On Tuesday, January 14, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha welcomed to Kyiv his Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna.
During their bilateral talks, the diplomats discussed the situation on the frontline, the priority needs of Ukraine’s Defence Forces, investment opportunities in Ukrainian arms production, and Russia’s systematic attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Andrii Sybiha expressed gratitude to Estonia for its leadership in the process of confiscating Russian assets. He emphasized the importance of moving from freezing assets to their full confiscation, advocating for the use of both profits and the assets themselves to support Ukraine.
“This approach is fair, reasonable, and legitimate. We share the position that sanctions pressure should be intensified. We must raise the cost of war for the aggressor. Together, we will push for the strongest possible 16th package of the EU sanctions against Russia, which should be adopted by the end of winter,” the Minister stressed.
The Ministers also focused on Russian hybrid attacks against Europe, including threats posed by the Russian “shadow fleet” to the environment and infrastructure, as well as the use of propaganda and cyberattacks.
“Ukraine is ready to share its experience in countering Russian hybrid threats. We value the effective collaboration within the Tallinn Mechanism, which is already enhancing cybersecurity and resilience,” said Andrii Sybiha.
The Foreign Minister underscored the exceptional importance of Estonia’s patronage in the reconstruction of the Zhytomyr region. He expressed gratitude to Estonia for implementing numerous projects, including the opening of two family-type children's homes in Zhytomyr, which took place earlier that day with participation of Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna and Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska.
Andrii Sybiha also thanked Estonia for its leadership in providing comprehensive support to Ukraine. In particular, he expressed appreciation for Tallinn’s decision to transfer a power unit from the Auvere power plant to Ukraine, while voicing hope for the continued assistance of this kind.