In the Statement issued on the Independence Day of Ukraine, Mihkelson and Korniyenko note that Russia’s objective extends far beyond Ukraine. “For decades, the Kremlin has waged a comprehensive campaign against the Euro-Atlantic security through military actions, cyberattacks, sponsorship of sabotage and proxy forces, disinformation, political interference, and economic coercion. Since 2014, Ukraine has been standing on the front line of this struggle,” they say, adding that the success of Ukraine in this lasting strife is essential not only to its own sovereignty and freedom, but also to the future of NATO and the whole European continent.
According to them, the most effective way to strengthen Allied security and to deter further Russian aggression is to ensure that Russia’s war against Ukraine ends in a strategic defeat. To achieve this goal, they urge NATO Allies and partners to focus on ten priorities.
Mihkelson and Korniyenko underline that Ukraine’s air defence should be made the immediate priority, a steady and predictable supply of ammunition should be ensured, Ukraine’s defence industrial base should be strengthened and intelligence and reconnaissance support expanded, investment in drones and counter-drone capabilities must be accelerated, commitment to the long-term training and force development is needed, predictable multi-year funding should be provided, economic pressure on Russia must be maintained and strengthened, Ukraine’s position in any future negotiations should be strengthened, and it is necessary to prepare now for the coming winter.
“The coming months will bring lasting consequences for the European and trans-Atlantic security. Supporting Ukraine is an investment in the collective defence of the democratic world,” the Co-Chairs of the Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council emphasise. In their Joint Statement, they call upon all NATO Allies and partner nations to demonstrate the unity, determination, and strategic foresight necessary to ensure that Ukraine prevails, Russia’s aggression fails, and that a comprehensive, just and lasting peace is restored in Europe.
The Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council (UNIC) co-chaired by Mihkelson and Korniyenko is a council composed of members of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, which focuses on parliamentary cooperation between NATO and Ukraine. The Council also plays an important role in shaping the positions of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly regarding support for Ukraine in the war of aggression initiated by Russia and Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration.
Mihkelson is in Kyiv to participate in the celebrations of the Independence Day of Ukraine together with his European counterparts. The celebrations are also attended by Member of the Riigikogu Hanah Lahe.
Joint Statement in Estonian and in English