On September 4, 2024, a meeting of the Ukraine Support Group, chaired by French Ambassador Mr. Emmanuel Mignot, took place at the French Residence in Estonia.

Accredited ambassadors in Estonia, representatives of international organizations, and the Estonian government participated in the event, where they discussed further strategies for supporting Ukraine during the war and the country's reconstruction after its conclusion.

The main topics discussed at the meeting were: the plan for the restoration of Ukraine's maritime sector, reconstruction and recovery projects in Ukraine, as well as cultural cooperation.

The plan for the restoration of Ukraine's maritime sector was presented by Kaupo Läänerand, Deputy Minister of Climate of Estonia for Marine and Water Affairs. The plan was developed in collaboration with Ukrainian partners and covers a wide range of issues, including the restoration of ports, attracting investments, and utilizing innovative technologies for the development of Ukraine's maritime infrastructure.

K. Läänerand pointed out that the plan is comprehensive and addresses both the civilian and military aspects of restoring maritime infrastructure. He also emphasized that Estonia is ready to allocate financial resources for the implementation of part of the plan.

During the discussion of the plan, Vladimir Svеt, Minister of Infrastructure of Estonia, emphasized the importance of this project as a practical tool for achieving victory in the war and ensuring stability in peacetime.

Reconstruction and recovery projects in Ukraine were presented by Klen Jäärats, Executive Director of the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV). These projects are being implemented in Ukraine with the support of ESTDEV. Key areas include energy efficiency, the reconstruction of healthcare facilities, and the rebuilding of critical infrastructure. One of the priority projects is the renovation of Hospital No. 8 in Zhytomyr. The program has been supported by EU countries, which have already allocated 6 billion euros for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Cultural cooperation: the concept of the Ukrainian Art Festival in Estonia, planned for May-June 2025, was presented by Alice Jarvet. The meeting participants discussed opportunities for collaboration with local galleries, artists, and cultural institutions.

French Ambassador E. Mignot emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine in the field of culture, noting that France is ready to assist in organizing this festival and actively engage international partners in its participation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants discussed the issues of international sanctions, Russia's frozen assets, and the possibility of using these funds for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

In his closing speech, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Estonia, Mr. Maksym Kononenko, thanked all participants for their support and expressed hope that the new initiatives would be implemented in the near future. He also emphasized that time is a valuable resource, and Ukraine requires swift and effective solutions to ensure proper living conditions for its citizens.