Russian leadership comprehends solely the vernacular of force and action, according to Estonia's Prime Minister in Washington.
Going Ham on Putin: Estonian Foreign Minister Lays Down the Gauntlet
TALLINN — During his recent stint in Washington D.C., Estonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, didn't mince words when discussing the global security situation and Russia's continued aggression. In a series of meetings with politicians, think tank representatives, and former diplomats, Tsahkna made it clear: the Kremlin only understands one language—force and action.
Monday saw Tsahkna huddling with Congress members, brain trust leaders, and John Sullivan, the former U.S. deputy secretary of state and ambassador to Moscow. Discussions mainly centered around bolstering the strategic partnership between Estonia and the United States, as well as tackling the broader security challenges faced by Europe and the world.
During confrontations with Republican senators Jon Husted of Ohio and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, and former Democratic speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Tsahkna emphasized the close relationship between Estonia and the U.S. "The U.S. is a cornerstone ally and invaluable strategic partner for Estonia," he proclaimed, expressing gratitude for Washington's significant contribution to regional security.
Tsahkna stressed Estonia's rock-solid commitment to self-defense, revealing that the country plans to invest close to 4% of its GDP in defense this year and a whopping 5.4% next year. "For every buck the U.S. spends on Estonia's security, we pour in a dozen bucks from our own coffers,” he boasted. "Estonia stands behind a mighty NATO and a robust transatlantic alliance."
Case in point: Estonia's recent acquisition of HIMARS multiple rocket launchers from Lockheed Martin, symbolizing the tight-knit bond between the two nations.
Discussions also touched on Russia's ongoing aggression and the need for continued support of Ukraine. Tsahkna posited that Putin hasn't altered his ambition—it remains the subjugation of Ukraine and the restructuring of Europe's security architecture. "The Kremlin only respects strength and concrete actions. Meanwhile, China, Iran, and North Korea are taking notes," Tsahkna warned. If Russia's moves in Ukraine succeed without repercussions, he added, it will pave the way for further aggression across the globe.
Apart from sanctions and tapping into frozen Russian state assets to aid Ukraine, talks also focused on increasing the costs of conflict for Russia.
In a meeting with John Sullivan, discussions veered towards global security and deepening transatlantic ties. A roundtable at influential think tanks delved into geopolitical threats and the West's strategic response, with emphasis on maintaining unity among allies in upholding democratic values.
On Tuesday, Tsahkna will take part in the opening panel of the Munich Leaders Meeting, themed "Back to Basics? Revisiting Shared Transatlantic Interests." Additionally, he'll hold talks with Liechtenstein's new Foreign Minister, Sabine Monauni, on the conference's sidelines.
In a nutshell, Tsahkna's message to the world: don't take Putin's sweet-talking, come-and-go-as-you-please act for granted. It's just a ploy to lull us into complacency. Keep your guard up, gang—the endgame involves more than Ukraine. It's about reshaping the entire chessboard of global security.
- Sabine Monauni, the new Foreign Minister of Liechtenstein, will discuss global security and transatlantic ties with Estonia's Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, during their meeting at the Munich Leaders Meeting.
- Estonia's Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, warned that Putin's ambition remains the subjugation of Ukraine and the restructuring of Europe's security architecture, stating that the Kremlin only respects strength and concrete actions.
- In an effort to bolster the strategic partnership between Estonia and the United States, and tackle the broader security challenges faced by Europe, discussions between Tsahkna and political figures in Washington centered around increasing the costs of conflict for Russia.
- Estonia is adding to its defense budget, with plans to invest close to 4% of its GDP in defense this year and a whopping 5.4% next year, demonstrating its commitment to self-defense and support for NATO.
