Russia persists as a significant and prolonged security risk for Estonia.

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Margus Tsahkna's Warning: Russia, a Long-Term Security Threat, Needs Urgent Response

The foreign minister of Estonia, Margus Tsahkna, recently expressed grave concerns about Russia's continuous threat to the security of democratic societies. In an address to parliament, Tsahkna highlighted the growing pressure on the rules-based world order and warned that the time to act is now, or risk repeating the mistakes of the past.

In his foreign policy report, Tsahkna outlined Estonia's key objectives and actions to counter this threat. He pointed out that autocracies are strengthening, aligning, and aiming to divide democratic societies by capitalizing on existing tensions and undermining shared values.

"Are we willing to let the threats grow until it's too late?" Tsahkna asked, referencing the events of the 1930s. "We must take a resolute stand to defend our values, and Ukraine's victory and Russia's containment are critical to this."

Tsahkna asserted that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has not abandoned his goals, which include subjugating all of Ukraine and reshaping European security. He emphasized that peace can only be achieved with strength, noting that it must be based on international law, including principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.

"It's naïve to hope that peace can be achieved simply by talking about it," Tsahkna stated. "Instead, we must ensure a position of strength for Ukraine and demonstrate that the West is not wavering from its course."

Tsahkna reiterated Estonia's ongoing leadership in supporting Ukraine and raising the cost of Russia's aggression. He suggested that cutting all energy imports from Russia, imposing tariffs on non-sanctioned goods, countering Russia's shadow fleet, and accelerating efforts to mobilize its frozen assets are necessary to halt Russia's advance.

"There has been too much caution and timidity in raising the price of aggression for Russia," Tsahkna said. "It's not the aggressor's defeat we should fear – instead, we should fear the success of the aggression. Dangerous times call for more decisive action."

Tsahkna reaffirmed that Russia remains a significant and long-term security threat and emphasized the necessity for NATO and the EU to shape their policies accordingly. He stressed that sanctions and international isolation should continue until Russia ends its aggression and compensates for the damage caused.

Speaking on transatlantic relations, Tsahkna emphasized that Europe and North America must maintain a strong and united alliance to tackle 21st-century challenges effectively. He highlighted the growing strength of Nordic-Baltic cooperation and Estonia's commitment to leveraging all regional alliances, including the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force and the Council of the Baltic Sea States for enhanced security and cooperation.

Tsahkna addressed the Middle East, expressing hope for a better future with recent truces between Israel and Hamas, the weakening of Iran, and the prospect of fresh starts in Syria and Lebanon's new government. However, he emphasized that lasting progress requires efforts from both regional countries and the international community.

"Estonia remains consistent on the issues of the Middle East," Tsahkna stated, "supporting alleviation of human suffering and a two-state solution based on international law."

He also discussed the need for a more confident China policy, stating that China's increasing support for Russian aggression warrants a reevaluation of the EU's policy towards China, with a greater focus on China as a rival and competitor.

On EU enlargement matters, Tsahkna praised the progress of Armenia, Ukraine, and Moldova, acknowledging it as one of the EU's most powerful tools, benefiting both new members and Europe as a whole. However, he warned that Georgia's authorities had demonstrated that EU enlargement could also be reversed.

In closing, Tsahkna reinforced Estonia's consistency and steadfastness in addressing threats, noting the accuracy of its past warnings and the vital need for unity and integrity to emerge from these challenging times stronger as a nation.

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Enrichment Data:

Overall:

While the specific comments from Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna are not directly mentioned in the search results, Estonia's key objectives and actions in response to the security threat posed by Russia can be inferred from recent developments:

Objectives and Actions

Enhance Military Defense Capabilities:
Long-Range Missile Systems: Estonia plans to invest €1 billion in long-range air defense missile systems to counter ballistic missile threats from Russia, such as the Iskander-M[1].
Military Base in Narva: Estonia is establishing a military base in Narva near the Russian border, which will host up to 250 troops on a rotational basis, serving as a deterrent and enhancing regional security[4].
Address Non-Military Threats:
Estonia recognizes that most high-risk security threats from Russia are non-military, including hybrid and cyber threats[5].
Cybersecurity Efforts: Estonia is developing state-of-the-art cyber training facilities to address these threats[2].
Enhanced Maritime Security Measures:
Legal Amendments: Estonia has passed legislation granting its Navy the authority to intercept, redirect, or force civilian vessels to change course if necessary, which is met with criticism from Russia[3].
International Cooperation and Deterrence:
Estonia is committed to maintaining strong ties with NATO and the EU, enhancing its defense posture through collective defense arrangements[5].

These measures reflect Estonia's overall strategy to counter Russian threats effectively.

The foreign minister of Estonia, Margus Tsahkna, underscores the importance of the Estonian people standing united against the long-term security threat posed by Russia.
In his address to the Estonian parliament, Tsahkna emphasized the urgent need to act against Russia's continuous pressure on the rules-based world order.
Estonia's foreign policy, as outlined by Tsahkna, aims to counter Russian aggression by supporting Ukraine and raising the cost of Russia's actions.
The people of Estonia are called upon to maintain a resolute stance in defending shared values and upholding international law, including territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Margus Tsahkna suggested that Estonia should cut all energy imports from Russia, impose tariffs on non-sanctioned goods, and counter Russia's shadow fleet to halt Russia's advance.
Tsahkna acknowledged that lasting peace can only be achieved with strength and a position of strength must be demonstrated to Ukraine and the West.
The Estonian government, under Tsahkna's leadership, has been an enabler for offering a more decisive response to war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news situations that pose a threat to Estonia and democratic societies.