Author:
Andres Tennus

RECORDING: Parliament speakers from five countries gathered at the University of Tartu to discuss achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine

On 3 February, speakers of the parliaments from five countries and the Ukrainian Ambassador to Estonia, Maksym Kononenko visited the University of Tartu and discussed in the assembly hall how to achieve peace in Ukraine and Europe. Watch the recording of the discussion

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has been ongoing for over a decade. Global discussion about potential peace talks and strategies to end the war is intensifying.   

To mark the 105th anniversary of the Tartu Peace Treaty, the parliament speakers of five countries discussed in the university assembly hall how to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and Europe. The discussion was in English. Among other issues, the speakers addressed the question of the role of parliaments and interparliamentary cooperation in supporting Ukraine and advancing a lasting peace.  

The meeting was attended by Lauri Hussar, President of the Estonian Riigikogu, Saulius Skvernelis, Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas, Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Latvian Saeima, Szymon Hołownia, Marshal of the Polish Sejm, and Jussi Halla-aho, Speaker of the Finnish Parliament. Ukraine will be represented at both the press conference and the subsequent discussion by the Ukrainian Ambassador to Estonia, Maksym Kononenko. Opening words were delivered by Rector of the University of Tartu Toomas Asser, and the discussion was moderated by Professor of Comparative Politics Piret Ehin.   

Watch the recording of the discussion

  • What actions should be taken to end Russia’s aggression and establish a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and Europe?   
  • What are Ukraine’s expectations and objectives, and how can its allies best support these goals?  
  • How can the international community ensure the aggressor’s accountability for the military attack on a peaceful neighbour while building a security framework that upholds the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states?  
  • How can European and transatlantic unity and resolve in supporting Ukraine be sustained? 
  • What measures have countries bordering Russia implemented to bolster their security, and what further steps are necessary?  
  • What role do parliaments and interparliamentary cooperation play in supporting Ukraine and advancing a lasting peace? 

The discussion coincides with the 105th anniversary of the Tartu Peace Treaty, signed on 2 February 1920, in which the Soviet Union recognised the independence of the newly established democratic state of Estonia. However, the Treaty of Tartu did not produce a just and lasting peace: Estonia was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940–1941 and 1944–1991.

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