“Russia’s aggression against Ukraine poses a long-term security threat to the whole of Europe and the democratic West. This is why the core task of the European Union and NATO allies is to build a long-term and effective shield against Russia’s various forms of aggression,” Minister of the Interior Igor Taro said upon arriving in Ukraine for an official visit. “In doing so, we must look beyond the potential end of military action, because it would be naive to assume that the end of the fighting in Ukraine would also mean the end of the threat originating from Russia.”
“We understand the tactics used by Ukraine as a victim of Russian aggression – including strikes against infrastructure critical to the aggressor’s war machine, such as ports and facilities linked to the military industry in north-western Russia,” Minister Taro said. “At the same time, Estonia, like Latvia and Finland, must protect its airspace and territory from stray drones.”
.He added that Estonia is continuing to strengthen its drone surveillance and counter-drone capabilities. “We highly value Ukraine’s experience in drone surveillance and defence and work closely with both Ukrainian and European partners to exchange best practices and learn from one another. As the most militarily advanced country in Europe, Ukraine undoubtedly possesses leading expertise in this field.”
During the meetings in Kyiv, representatives of the Estonian Ministry of the Interior and their Ukrainian counterparts discussed societal resilience in times of crisis, the organisation of rescue services and the role of security agencies in protecting the country from both external and internal threats.
“We bow our heads in honour of all Ukrainians who have fallen defending their country on the battlefield or who have perished in Russia’s barbaric missile strikes. At the same time, we deeply admire the resilience and endurance of Ukrainian society,” Taro said.
The meetings also addressed cooperation between the investigative authorities of the two countries in uncovering international fraud networks and apprehending criminals. “The Ukrainian police have provided their Estonian colleagues with significant information that has helped us understand the scale and methods used by the organisers of mass fraud schemes targeting Estonia. This information has been essential for Estonian criminal police officers and investigators in identifying and apprehending criminals who have defrauded Estonian people of millions of euros,” the Estonian Minister of the Interior said.
The Ukrainian minister confirmed his commitment to continued cooperation in crime prevention, both within the Europol framework and on a bilateral basis. “We share the understanding that proceeds from fraud can be used to finance other forms of organised crime, including terrorism. Russia also has its own interests in this area,” Klymenko said.
The meetings also covered Estonia’s decision to impose a Schengen-wide entry ban on former Russian combatants who have participated in the war of aggression against Ukraine. “In identifying these individuals, Estonian security agencies are engaged in effective cooperation with the Ukrainian authorities, who are reliable partners for us,” Minister Taro said.
Photos from the Minister of the Interior’s visit are available here: https://www.transfernow.net/dl/20260519ud3FOOFb
