Michal heads Nordic-Baltic summit with Zelenskyy in Kyiv

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal travelled to Kyiv to co-chair a summit of Nordic and Baltic leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, ERR reported. He will also attend events marking Ukraine’s State Flag Day.

“This year marks 35 years since Estonia restored its independence and Ukraine proclaimed its independence. We both secured the right to decide our own future. Today, Ukraine is defending that right on the battlefield while also standing for the freedom and security of all Europe,” Michal said.

He said the Nordic and Baltic countries had stood alongside Ukraine since the first day of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression.

“Ukraine must receive everything necessary to defend itself and resist Russian aggression,” Michal said, adding that this meant more air defence and ammunition, as well as greater investment in Ukraine’s defence industry.

“At the same time, we must increase pressure on Russia, strengthen sanctions and close opportunities to evade them,” he said.

Michal also said Estonia would help Ukraine prepare for winter and protect and restore critical energy infrastructure that remains under threat because of Russian attacks.

In Kyiv, the prime minister will meet his Ukrainian counterpart, Serhii Koretskyi, to discuss bilateral relations and preparations for next January’s Ukraine reconstruction conference in Tallinn.

The leaders will hold a joint press conference after the Nordic-Baltic and Ukrainian summit. Estonia holds the NB8 presidency this year.