Michal in Munich: pressure should be applied on dictators, not those fighting for freedom

Chancellor Merz hosted the Berlin Group Meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, attended by several European heads of government, European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte.

President Zelenskyy provided an overview of the brutal attacks by Russia on the energy infrastructure of Ukraine and the related urgent needs. "Leaving the people of Ukraine in cold and darkness is a despicable tactic of Russia to sow hopelessness," Michal noted. "Ukraine needs our comprehensive support. We will find ways to keep rooms warm and lights on."

The discussions also covered the status of the talks with the United States and Russia. "There was no conciliatory mood toward Russia in the meeting," the prime minister remarked. "As long as Russia conducts negotiations in the language of airstrikes, our pressure on the aggressor must not weaken." According to the prime minister, it is crucial that the United States continues to pressure Russia into making concessions, as this is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Ukraine was also a topic in the meeting between the Estonian prime minister, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, and Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa with Chancellor Merz on Saturday. Michal emphasised that sanctions against Russia are effective and must be strengthened, as the objectives of Putin have not changed.

"Russia is not winning this war. Russia is losing tens of thousands of soldiers and is in an increasingly difficult economic situation. It is important to continue limiting the revenues from the shadow fleet and Russian energy exports," said Michal. "Estonia has banned entry to the Schengen Area for over 1,300 Russian combatants. Individuals involved in the Russian war against Ukraine must not have the right to come to Europe. We hope that other countries will follow our example," said Michal.

Michal thanked Merz for the important role of Germany in defending the eastern flank of Europe. "Germany is our partner and ally, whose understanding of the security situation and the need to deter Russia is very similar to ours."

On Friday, the prime minister met with Maia Sandu, President of Moldova, to discuss the progress of Moldova toward European Union accession. Michal confirmed that Moldova can continue to rely on full support from Estonia, which will soon become even more effective as Estonia is opening an embassy in Chișinău.

Alongside the conference, a number of bilateral meetings also took place. Discussions with the Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia Hendrik Wüst were focussed on digitalisation and innovation. The size of the federal state and the agility of Estonia allow for the further development of several cooperation projects, from defence to new technologies. Future technologies were also discussed in a meeting with the Schwarz Group CEO Gerd Chrzanowski. Schwarz Group, which includes Lidl, is also a very digitally minded company.

Today, at 11:30 am Estonian time, Prime Minister Michal will participate in the main stage panel discussion on competitiveness titled "All the Single Markets: From Fragmentation to Competitiveness".

Gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/stenbockimaja/albums/72177720332002630/

The Munich Security Conference main stage discussions can be followed at https://youtube.com/watch?v=F8Y2naZa-Yg

Government Communication Unit