Ukraine should start negotiations on joining EU this year – Estonian FM

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Urmas Reinsalu stated this in the Espreso TV studio.

"There would not be such a big attack on a NATO member as on Ukraine. This is a very big security guarantee. Estonia understands that after this war, Ukraine should become a full member of NATO. If anyone has doubts, they are afraid that Russia will come after them. To prevent such a scenario in Europe, we need to accept Ukraine into NATO. I hope that the summit in Vilnius will take a huge step in this direction. All NATO member states have stated that they have opened the door for Ukraine, but they are thinking about what the next practical steps will be, as well as a clear vision for Ukraine," he said.

Reinsalu also commented on the process of Ukraine's accession to the EU.

"It is important to start negotiations, they should start this year. Ukraine has to make certain reforms, it has already done a lot and has to complete the tasks set before it. Political will is also important – there is a lot of talk within the EU, but there are many countries that fully support Ukraine's membership. They are now seeking to provide Ukraine with everything possible to enable Kyiv to take this big step, to resolve issues in a dialog with the European Commission. I do not see any alternative future for Ukraine other than full membership in NATO and the EU if we are looking forward to a lasting peace," the minister concluded.