Michal posted a photograph on social media on Monday morning showing him exiting a train in Kyiv.

"Supporting Ukraine until victory will remain Estonia's priority, we will make no concessions," he wrote. "Ukraine's victory is a win for Europe, the US and to the whole democratic world."

This is Michal's first visit to Ukraine since taking office in the summer.

In a press release, he highlighted Russia's repeated attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure which has affected the whole country.

"The winter is coming, and we must provide them with all-round support. Estonia's next aid shipment of turbines, generators, and transformers will arrive here within a month at the latest," he said.

Estonia allocated over €500,000 to help Ukraine through the winter earlier this year.

The prime minister will also meet with other government officials during his visit. He is accompanied by an Estonian cyber business delegation.

Shmyhal: Estonian military aid to Ukraine totals €542 million

Estonian military aid to Ukraine is approaching €542 million, said Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Monday during a meeting with Michal.

"We held constructive negotiations on a wide range of issues and outlined common positions. I am grateful for Estonia's large-scale defense support, which has already reached nearly €542 million, or 1.4 percent of Estonia's gross domestic product (GDP). Estonia's promise to allocate 0.25 percent of its GDP for Ukraine's defense every year is significant," said Shmyhal at a joint press conference with Michal.

The Estonian prime minister confirmed Estonia will allocate 0.25 percent of GDP to Ukraine every year for the foreseeable future.

"This means that Ukraine receives €100 million from us every year. We are trying to influence our partners and allies to do the same," he said.

Michal stressed Europe and other allies must do more to support Ukraine, such as strengthening defense capabilities and ammunition production.

Glad to welcome the Prime Minister of Estonia @KristenMichalPM to Kyiv. We discussed strengthening our cooperation in the areas of defence and cybersecurity, reconstruction, energy, European integration, and further steps to implement the Ukrainian President's Peace Formula. We… pic.twitter.com/Zi6nHpcwy3

— Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) December 9, 2024

Shmyhal highlighted Estonia's role in rebuilding the Zhytomyr region and contributing to ensuring Ukraine's energy supply.

"Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism alone, Estonia has supplied us with more than 140 transformers and over 300 units of energy equipment," he said.

The Ukrainian prime minister noted that Estonia's announcement of a €400,000 contribution to the Ukrainian Energy Support Fund is important.

"In the near future, Ukraine will receive a power unit from the Estonian Auvere power plant. It is capable of providing electricity to 150,000 people. We are also discussing the transfer of two more power units to Ukraine in 2025," he said.

The two heads of government also signed a joint statement declaring the strengthening of the bilateral partnership, the determination to resist the Russian aggressor, and Estonia's unconditional political support for Ukraine on all important issues.

Zelenskyy: We are very grateful to your people

Michal also met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday.

"We are very grateful to your people, your government, and your parliamentarians. From the very beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, you have supported Ukraine and provided substantial assistance exceeding €700 million in military and financial aid. Thank you so much," the president said in a statement.

The main focus of the meeting was military assistance and strengthening air defense during the winter months.

The needs of Ukrainian soldiers, equipping brigades, and the possibility of Estonia procuring defense products from domestic manufacturers were also discussed.

I had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Estonia @KristenMichalPM, which marks his first visit to Ukraine. I am grateful to Estonia, the Estonian government, and the entire Estonian people for their steadfast support of our country and our people since the very beginning of the… pic.twitter.com/ezz2azaAkJ

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 9, 2024

Ukraine's progress on its path to joining the EU and the importance of achieving allied consensus on extending a NATO membership invitation were also touched upon.

"We deeply appreciate your country for being very straightforward and clear about Ukraine's future in both the EU and NATO," Zelenskyy said.

Michal said Estonia and its people would continue to support Ukraine in every possible way, as they consider Russia a common enemy.

"We have made it clear: Ukraine is part of Europe and must be part of NATO. To achieve a just and lasting peace, both are necessary. Because if Putin wins and changes the borders by force, it will send a signal to Russia, North Korea, Iran and everyone else to continue such actions. So, for Europe, what Ukraine is doing is a fight for the freedom of Europe, as well as for the freedom of the entire democratic world," he said.

This article was updated to add comments from Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Denys Shmyhal, and photographs from the visit.

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