Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Estonia, Maksym Kononenko, met with the Mayor of Tallinn, Mikhail Kõlvart. During the meeting, they discussed a range of important issues. Ambassador provided information to the Estonian official about the current situation on the frontlines in Ukraine and the country’s progress toward European integration. He also drew attention to the humanitarian needs in Ukrainian territories affected by Russian aggression, particularly the destructive consequences of the Russian military’s sabotage of the Kakhovska Hydroelectric Power Plant dam.

Ambassador particularly highlighted the reconstruction and restoration projects being undertaken in Ukraine with the support of the Tallinn city administration. He expressed gratitude to the Estonian side for their specific assistance in rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine, especially in the Zhytomyr Oblast and sister cities like Lviv, Kyiv, and Odessa.

During the conversation, special attention was given to Russia’s withdrawal from the Grain Trade Agreement and the potential risks it poses to the 400 million people in Asia and Africa who rely on grain supplies from Ukraine. Maksym Kononenko emphasized that the Russian leadership deliberately puts these people on the brink of famine and hardship, leading to a food crisis. This decision could also result in political instability, social protests, and forced migration in vulnerable countries.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin continues to support its agricultural exports, enriching itself while disregarding the lives and fates of millions of people. Furthermore, the Russian leadership cynically holds summits with African countries, attempting to showcase its so-called “care”, despite its actions contradicting these words.

The possibilities for cooperation in the restoration of infrastructure and the implementation of other humanitarian projects in Ukraine for the current year were also discussed.

In conclusion, the Mayor assured that Tallinn will continue to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, supporting projects for the restoration of infrastructure in the country, and striving to ensure the most comfortable conditions for Ukrainian refugees residing in Tallinn.