Ukraine’s accession to NATO will only strengthen the Alliance, - Taavi Roivas

The victory, which will definitely happen, and will happen only on Ukraine’s terms, will lead to Ukraine’s accession to NATO.

This opinion was expressed by Taavi Roivas, the Prime Minister of Estonia in 2014-16, at the 15^th annual Kyiv Security Forum, established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation.

‘You fight for our freedom as well as for yours. And we feel this in Estonia, as well as in Latvia, Lithuania and Moldova, and I hope, in all European capitals. As for the victory of Ukraine, which will definitely come and will happen solely on Ukrainian terms, as no one can impose any conditions unacceptable to you, and obviously this will lead to Ukraine joining NATO. This is perfectly understandable. If Ukraine gets membership in NATO, the Alliance will include an extremely strong member,” Rivais said.

He reminded that Finland and Sweden recently became new members of the Alliance, and this is beneficial not only for these two countries, but also for NATO.

“When Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania joined the European Union 19 years ago, it was good not only for us – it was good for the European unity. Today we drove through back-country areas of Poland, and I would say they are not that different from back-country areas in Germany or in the United States. Poland is a prosperous country. The same can be said about all of Europe,” the ex-Prime Minister added.

Mr Roivas said that Europe should remember that Ukraine is now fighting for the entire democratic world, and it will be only fair if other European countries agree to assist it with funds after Ukraine’s victory.

“I think people will agree with this, as they are very sympathetic to what is happening in Ukraine now, he concluded.

Noteworthy, the 15^th annual Kyiv security forum “For Our and Your Freedom / Fighting for NATO” will be held on May 25-26, 2023, with the participation of well-known international figures. In particular, at the Forum, the KSF Security Council will be formed and a policy document will be adopted with recommendations for the NATO summit in Vilnius to be held this July.