Stefanchuk to the Riigikogu: We cannot change geography, but together we can change history in the future

NordenBladet —

In his speech to the plenary, Stefanchuk thanked Estonia for the support and assistance Estonia had given Ukraine over almost three years. “First, I would like to thank you for having always been by our side,” he said.

Stefanchuk stated that Estonia had been among the few countries that had given Ukraine its first weapons even before the full-scale invasion. “The Javelins you gave us stopped the enemy near Chernihiv and Kyiv in the winter of 2022. The decision to give us all the howitzers Estonia had strengthened our defences in the east and south. Your Mistral air defence systems made Ukraine’s skies safer, helped save the lives of many Ukrainians,” he said, adding that sanctions had slowed down Putin’s war machine and Estonia’s priceless humanitarian aid had made it possible for people in devastated cities to survive the cold weather. “Tens of thousands of women, children and elderly from Ukraine found temporary shelter, work and education in Estonia. Such things are not forgotten, they will be remembered for ever.”

Stefanchuk thanked the Riigikogu for the nine statements adopted in support of Ukraine, and for not letting the world forget the war launched against Ukraine. “I thank you for speaking so loudly about this, for being with us in this fight, for convincing partners and those who still hesitate,” he said.

According to the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine needs swift, resolute and effective decisions: increasing of military support, and air defence systems that would finally enable to close the skies over Ukraine and protect its people. “We ask for your help in the abolishing of all restrictions imposed on Ukraine regarding the use of long-range missile systems to destroy military objects and targets on the territory of the Russian Federation, which are key to the aggression,” he said. We need fighter aircraft and relevant training for our pilots. Ukraine’s energy sector needs support. We ask for your continued leadership in discussing these issues with our partners. We are determined to end this war with our victory so that we can continue to live in peace.”

Stefanchuk also asked Estonia to support and help to implement Ukraine’s victory plan, which had been presented by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week. The first point of the five-point victory plan includes an urgent invitation to Ukraine to join NATO, the second point focuses on strengthening Ukraine’s defence capability, the third on deterring the aggressor, the fourth on strategic economic potential and the fifth point is intended to be implemented after the war. “Our army has real experience of modern warfare, they know how to use Western weaponry and are ready for effective cooperation with NATO partners,” he said.

In his speech, Stefanchuk also highlighted Estonia’s ability to lead and provide leadership, and noted that Estonia’s leadership was needed for strengthening Ukraine’s defence capability. He also underlined the importance of Estonia’s leadership in providing security guarantees, and added that without Estonia’s leadership, the reconstruction of Ukraine could not be imagined.

Stefanchuk pointed out before the Riigikogu that we could not change geography. “But I am convinced that you will agree that together we can change history in the future. We can do so that never again will Ukraine, Estonia or any other democratic country be left alone in such a fight,” he said. “In our veins flows freedom and the steadfast striving for freedom. And that is why we must stand together in the fight against the tyranny that is attacking our freedom, democracy and European values. And we will definitely win! Together we will win!” he said in his speech at the Riigikogu.

Verbatim record (in Estonian)

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Video recording of the speech is available to watch later on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Stefanchuk to the Riigikogu: We cannot change geography, but together we can change history in the future

Source: Parliament of Estonia