Michal is in the Ukrainian capital on Sunday and will co-chair a summit of Nordic-Baltic (NB8) and Ukrainian leaders with Zelenskyy, and will take part in events marking Ukraine's National Flag Day.

Estonia holds the NB8 presidency this year, and Michal's visit comes at a time of intensified attacks by Russia on Kyiv and Ukraine and stalled diplomatic efforts.

The visit also closely follows the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Estonian independence. "This year marks 35 years since Estonia restored its independence and Ukraine declared its independence. Both our countries secured the right to decide their own future. Today, Ukraine is defending that right on the battlefield while standing up for the freedom and security of all Europe," Michal said.

The Nordic and Baltic countries have stood with Ukraine since the first day of Russia's full-scale war of aggression, now in its fifth year. "Ukraine must receive everything it needs to defend itself and resist Russian aggression," the prime minister went on, via a press release.

He noted that "everything Ukraine needs" primarily means more air defense, more ammunition and greater investment in Ukraine's defense industry. "At the same time, we must increase pressure on Russia, strengthen sanctions and close the loopholes Russia uses to evade them," Michal added.

"We are helping Ukraine prepare for winter and protect and restore critical energy infrastructure, which remains under threat because of Russia's brutality," the head of government went on.

While in Kyiv, Michal will meet his Ukrainian counterpart, Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, to discuss bilateral relations and preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Tallinn in January next year.

Michal's visit also coincides with Ukraine's National Flag Day, which is marked annually on August 23.

The NB8 format brings together the Nordic countries — Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden — and the Baltic states — Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania — for regular dialogue on security and regional issues. Following the summit, a joint press conference is expected to outline outcomes and new commitments, as Estonia's NB8 presidency has placed regional security and support for Ukraine at the top of the agenda.

Estonia has been one of Ukraine's strongest supporters since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, providing military aid, humanitarian assistance and political backing, while consistently calling for increased international pressure on Russia. The Reconstruction Conference in Tallinn next January will bring together international partners to coordinate Ukraine's long-term recovery, and Michal's visit continues a pattern of high-level engagement between the two countries.

Michal's visit is scheduled to last one day, with the prime minister returning to Estonia later Sunday.

The summit comes as diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled, with Russia insisting any deal must reflect "realities on the ground" — a reference to its control of around one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. On the battlefield, fighting has intensified, while Russia continues its long-range strikes on Ukrainian cities . Ukraine has expanded its own deep strikes inside Russia.

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