General of the Army of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak stressed it at a press conference during his visit to Estonia, October 7.

“Despite the escalation of situation in the context of the Russian aggression Ukraine is still pursuing a policy of peaceful settlement of the conflict in the east of Ukraine. We observe the Minsk agreements and try to settle it peacefully and politically,” the Minister said. “We realize that we will not eventually achieve peace through war. We can achieve it only in a peaceful and political way. Hence, global assistance and support are very important for us. I would like to assure you that Ukraine will firmly defend its independence and democracy,” General Poltorak emphasized.

According to him, Ukraine praises Estonian assistance and support such as training of the Ukrainian military by Estonian instructors, experience exchange, as well as rehabilitation of the Ukrainian soldiers in medical establishments of Estonia.

"In our partnership it’s very important for us that the Estonian party always supports us at diplomatic level, particularly, concerning sanctions against Russian Federation," the Ukrainian Defence Minister said.

In his turn, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Estonia Mr Hannes Hanso stressed during a press conference that Ukraine could count on the Estonian support.

“We see Ukraine in our friendly European family,” he said.

As was reported, in the framework of a working visit to the Republic of Estonia Minister of Defence of Ukraine General of the Army of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak held talks with Minister of Defence of the Republic of Estonia Mr Hannes Hanso during which the parties discussed the present and prospects of development of defence cooperation between the two countries.

The agenda of the visit also includes meetings with Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Riho Terras and government representatives. Moreover, the Minister of Defence of Ukraine will meet with wounded Ukrainian soldiers undergoing medical rehabilitation in Estonia.