Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna made a strong statement that Russia poses a threat not only to Ukraine but to the whole of Europe. He made these remarks during his visit to Ukraine, where he spent several days amid the constant sound of air raid sirens.
Tsahkna emphasised that supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression is strategically important for the security of the whole of Europe. He drew attention to how Russia continues its military operations on a daily basis, threatening the peaceful lives of Ukrainians. The minister noted that every time he leaves Ukraine and crosses the border into Poland, he feels a stark contrast – on one side of the border, people live under the constant threat of missiles and drones, whilst on the other, life seems normal.
The Estonian Foreign Minister was particularly concerned by the recent Russian strike in the Yagodyn area, near the Ukrainian-Polish border. Tsahkna expressed concern that threats from Russia have become palpable practically on the doorstep of the European Union and NATO. He also highlighted the cyber-attacks and provocations by Russia, which jeopardise the security of European states.
The minister noted that helping Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression is neither charity nor involvement in ‘someone else’s war’, but rather a vital investment in Europe’s security. He called for the urgent provision of military aid to Ukraine, the strengthening of its air defences, and the tightening of sanctions against Russia.
Tsakhkna emphasised that every act of Russian aggression must become more costly for Moscow, so as to ultimately force it to change its aggressive policy.
Against this backdrop, Estonia’s Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur had earlier announced his resignation following criticism over the procurement of ammunition for Ukraine. He admitted that he had not looked into the details of the contracts, but felt it necessary to take political responsibility for the problems that had arisen.