Estonian president: Those who attack Ukraine, attack Europe as well

The sanctioned slapped on aggressors those who are attacking the independence of Ukraine, show the ethical force of the EU.

Toomas Hendrik Ilves stated that addressing the event dedicated to the 95th anniversary of Tartu Peace Treaty held in Vanemuine concert house in Tartu.

“Last year and in January this year the EU and the NATO have firmly demonstrated their unity. But we need a more detectable, convincing and effective defence of our common values. In the future we are to need a confidence that the previous consensus would be kept up. The EU and the NATO should form a trans-European and transatlantic moral core. A moral core, which defends democratic values and freedom,” Postimees quoted him as saying.

As said by the Estonian president, the sanctions against the aggressors attacking independence of Ukraine show the ethical force of the EU.

“Some people have already started to doubt it. Invasion of foreign troops in Georgia in August 2008 and shelling of Poti and Gori were quickly forgiven and forgotten, in order to return to status quo, as if nothing had happened. There was no desire to anger anyone, useful economic ties turned to be more important. In fact, it reminded the old agreement with dividing Europe into spheres of influence,” Ilves said.

As said by him, the shooting attack at the Malaysian passenger aircraft and rocket attack at residential areas of Mariupol are brutal crimes, and their organisers, as well as their supporters and those who supplied weapons to them must face the international court.

“Instigators and perpetrators of these crimes are to be subject to sanctions of democratic countries, as well as those who are violating laws of war by humiliating treatment of prisoners of war,” Ilves said, adding that it should be a clear signal determining actions. “It’s immoral to speak in equivoques. Those who attack Ukraine, attack Europe, our values and the entire previously active international system as well.”