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

Taavi Roivas and Arseniy Yatsenyuk. Kiev, 26.01.2016. Photo: valitsus.ee

Roivas confirmed during the meeting that rumors about Russia's more conservative attitude toward Ukraine seem to be grossly exaggerated because unfortunately Russia seems to make no real steps which are directed toward restoring the territorial integrity of Ukraine, spokespeople for the government said.

"Let's not forget how the Ukraine conflict started nor how Russia has done nothing for Ukraine to be able to restore control over its borders like the Minsk agreements stipulate," Roivas said.

When discussing the free trade agreement between the European Union and Ukraine, which partially stepped into force last year, Roivas told Yatsenyuk that Ukraine has to fully make use of the opportunities the agreement offers. Roivas also offered Estonia's support for the implementation of the agreement.

Roivas recognized the Ukrainian government for carrying out important reforms, at the same time stressing that the fight against corruption as well as the functioning of the judicial system have to be intensified.

According to Roivas the successfully conducted police force reform is a good example for the public sector reform as well as other reforms. "We also expect Ukraine to do everything in its power this year to completely correspond to the requirements for setting up visa freedom with the European Union," he added.