Baltic States – CIS, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Legislation, Ukraine

Taavi Rõivas and Arseni Jatsenjuk. Kiev, 13.01.2015. Photo: valitsus.ee

At the meeting, Prime Minister Rõivas stressed that the European Union has established very clear criteria and the discussion on mitigating the sanctions can only begin when these criteria are met. “Russia has not met these criteria,” said Rõivas.

The Prime Minister added that the sanctions have not been imposed just for the sake of it. “They are necessary in order to send a clear message to Russia that the military activity in Ukraine must stop,” stated Rõivas.

Prime Minister Rõivas stressed that the sanctions must continue and the European Union must stand firm. “The solution lies with Russia, not us,” said Rõivas.

Prime Minister Rõivas and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Pentus-Rosimannus stated that Estonia will continue to support Ukraine and this year, it is planned to provide even more assistance. Ukraine has become one of the top priority countries for development assistance.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Rõivas and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Pentus-Rosimannus will meet with Petro Poroshenko, President of Ukraine.

The Prime Minister will return to Estonia on Wednesday evening.