Ratas discussed supporting of Ukraine with British MPs  

NordenBladet —

At the meeting of President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Jüri Ratas with Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom, Leader of the Labour Party Keir Starmer and Shadow Secretary of State for Defence of the UK John Healey, assistance to Ukraine that is fighting against Russia’s aggression, and the helping of war refugees were discussed.

Ratas underlined that Estonia and the United Kingdom had close and strong relations that had lasted for a long time. He thanked the UK for their contribution to Baltic air policing. “At present, we have to act with greater unity to help Ukraine,” Ratas said. “The world has changed a lot in a short time, and several countries have also made historical decisions in granting military aid to Ukraine and in enforcing sanctions.”  

Speaking of the contacts with the members of the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) of Ukraine and of what other countries could do to help Ukraine, Ratas emphasised the need to establish a no-fly zone urged by the Ukrainians. 

Both Ratas and the British MPs stated that Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine would have a significant impact on the whole Europe. In this context, energy security and cyber defence were discussed in greater detail at the meeting.

The President of the Riigikogu noted that the events in Ukraine directly concerned many people in Estonia and their close ones and acquaintances. “It is important that all people, regardless of their nationality or mother tongue, stay calm and stand together – as a society and as a nation,” he added.

Ratas said that Estonia supported Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, and helped Ukraine bilaterally as well as through NATO, the European Union and international cooperation. The Estonian people and companies support the Ukrainian war refugees. “The war refugees from Ukraine are fleeing the evil of Putin’s regime,” Ratas pointed out. “It is important to provide the Ukrainian war refugees shelter and a safe place to stay until they will be able to return home.”

Members of the Riigikogu Lauri Läänemets and Eduard Odinets also attended the meeting with the British MPs.

Photos of the meeting Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu

Source: Parliament of Estonia