During my visit to D.C., I had many good meetings on the Hill with Senators and Representatives.
The meetings focused on the global threat landscape and security, including defence cooperation between Estonia and the U.S. and supporting Ukraine.
Here's a recap: 1/
With the Senate Republican leadership @LeaderMcConnell, @SenJohnThune and others @SenateGOP, we focused on the need to send a strong signal that aggression does not pay off. I outlined what Estonia and Europe are doing to support Ukraine and bolster our own defence. 2/
There's no threat that can't be overcome together with allies. We discussed the global conflicts, the use of Russian frozen assets to help Ukraine, security on NATO's eastern flank, and more with @SenatorCardin, @SenatorShaheen, @JerryMoran, @ChrisVanHollen, @SenBooker. 3/
Glad to meet @SenatorWicker to discuss the threats facing NATO and the Allies.
The Baltic Security Initiative is crucial for defending every inch of NATO and deterring Russia.
There's no substitute for increasing defense spending. The cost of not doing so would be higher. 4/
In-depth discussion with @JDVance1 about security – from the Baltics to Ukraine, to the Middle East and beyond – and about boosting industrial our growth.
Transatlantic security and economic security depend on helping Ukraine win. The sooner that happens, the less it’ll cost 5/
Had a good meeting with @ChuckGrassley.
Senator Grassley is one of the closest allies of Estonia and the Baltic countries in the Senate. A champion of freedom and a true gentleman.
Thank you for your strong friendship. 6/
Met with a group of Estonia’s closest friends @RepDonBacon, @RepRubenGallego, @CongressmanKean, @USRepKeating, @RepJoeWilson, @RepNateMoran.
The Baltic Security Initiative is an investment both into European security and into American manufacturing. Grateful for your support. 7/
Good discussion with @SenAmyKlobuchar.
We talked about the global security situation and countering disinformation from malign actors. 8/
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In Canada, we reaffirmed our support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity.
We commended Ukraine’s commitment to an immediate ceasefire.
Russia must now reciprocate on equal terms. If not, we could impose further sanctions and caps on oil prices (1/3)
We also expressed our support for the people of Syria and condemned strongly the escalation of violence in the coastal regions.
We called for the rejection of terrorism, for the protection of civilians and for perpetrators of atrocities to be held accountable. (2/3)
There are growing risks to maritime security, including threats to freedom of navigation.
In Charlevoix, we also reaffirmed our steadfast commitment to contribute towards a free, open, and secure maritime domain, in line with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. (3/3)
Sovereignty, territorial integrity and discrediting aggression as a tool of statecraft are crucial principles that must be upheld in case of Ukraine and globally.
These principles are essential for just and lasting peace. 1/
That is why I’m concerned about so-called peace plans and initiatives that ignore the core UN Charter principles.
We cannot treat Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty as somewhat secondary.
Without these core principles we cannot achieve a just and lasting peace. 2/
The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has lasted for ten years. For the bigger part of it, the world ignored it.
Some hoped back then and are hoping right now that territorial concessions to the aggressor would bring peace. But it will not. 3/
Today we honour the memory of the March deportation victims.
75 years ago, over 20,000 Estonians, including infants and the elderly, were taken from their homes and sent to Siberia in unimaginable conditions by the Soviet occupation regime.
My own family was also deported. 1/
We remember each and every one who perished. We are thankful for those who returned.
Their stories must be told.
The world should never forget the atrocities committed by the Soviet regime in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. 2/
Russia’s cruelty has not changed over time.
Russia's actions in Ukraine mirror the oppression our ancestors faced, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice.
Ukraine must win and Russia must be held accountable. This is the only way to sustainable peace. 3/