In addition, MPs called for a trade embargo on Russia and Belarus, among others.
15.3. 19:18 • Updated March 15th. 19:20
On Tuesday, the Estonian Parliament called for the establishment of a no-fly zone over Ukraine. On Monday, the Riigikogu passed a statement on Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, addressed to the parliaments of EU member states and members of the military alliance NATO, as well as other states.
In an opinion, the Estonian Parliament expressed its support for Ukraine in the fight against Russia. The statement called for all perpetrators of war crimes to be brought to justice.
The Riigikogu called on the UN member states to take immediate action to establish a no-fly zone in order to avoid a large number of civilian casualties. In addition, the statement called on states to close their own airspace and ports to Russian ships.
In addition, Estonia called for a trade embargo on Russia and its ally Belarus. According to the statement, this would “limit the attackers’ ability to wage war.”
In the case of Ukraine, Estonian decision-makers hoped that EU member states would support Ukraine’s formal application for EU membership. In addition, it was hoped that Ukraine would be offered steps to become a member of the NATO Alliance.
A total of 90 MEPs voted in favor of Parliament’s opinion in a 101-seat seat.
In Finland, Helsingin Sanomat was the first to report on the Riigikogu’s statement. According to the newspaper, the Estonian Parliament is the first decision-making body of a NATO member state to give its direct support to the establishment of a no-fly zone.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr ZelenskyI have repeatedly called on NATO to establish a no-fly zone over Ukraine. Among other things, the Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg has considered that the establishment of a no-fly zone would lead to a war between NATO and Russia.
The no-fly zone would prevent Russian bombing in Ukraine.