Comment by the Foreign Minister over Russia’s accusations against Ukraine

Foreign Minister Marina Kaljurand expressed concern over Russia’s accusations against Ukraine.

"Russia’s provocative statements directed at Ukraine do not come as a surprise. It has been long speculated that Russia might do something like this at the end of summer. The fact that Russia is trying to distract others’ attention does not change the situation. The Russia-Ukraine conflict started when Russia occupied Crimea. The non-recognition policy of the occupation of Crimea is and will remain the policy of Estonia, the EU and NATO. I ask Russia not to increase tension in the region, to fulfil their international obligations and the Minsk agreement, to continue with Normandy format negotiations and to stop looking for excuses for not fulfilling their duties."

Foreign Minister also had a telephone conversation with Pavlo Klimkin, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, and she expressed Estonia’s continuing support in solving the situation in eastern Ukraine and Crimea.