Trump-Putin meeting to be deliberated by Estonian Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna
In the lead-up to the emergency virtual summit between European leaders and President Trump, the foreign minister of Estonia, Margus Tsahkna, has emphasized the importance of a unilateral ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a prerequisite for any further discussions.
Tsahkna has also made it clear that Estonia and Europe stand behind Ukraine, asserting that any talks or agreements about Ukraine must include Ukraine and Europe. This stance is in line with Estonia's membership in both the European Union and NATO, which emphasizes a firm European front against Russian aggression and opposes any land swaps or agreements that undermine Ukraine's sovereignty.
As one of the five NATO member nations that share a border with Russia, Estonia is particularly vigilant about the persistent threat posed by Moscow. In a recent meeting of the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council, Tsahkna expressed concern that if Putin gets what he wants from President Trump, it could fuel his appetite for more.
The foreign minister also believes that an unconditional ceasefire from Putin would be a good starting point for further discussions. He expects increased military and financial support to Ukraine from Europe, as well as the implementation of the Graham package for sanctions against Russia.
Moreover, Tsahkna anticipates secondary sanctions against countries conducting business with Russia in oil and gas. The Kremlin has expressed concern about Estonia's stated readiness to host nuclear-capable jets, and Tsahkna has not ruled out welcoming nuclear weapons in Estonia if there is a military need and the terrain is suitable.
It is worth noting that Estonia is currently spending 5.4% of its GDP on defense, one of the highest ratios among NATO members. Finland's president, Mr. Stubb, will represent Estonia at the virtual summit, aligning with the collective European positions.
In a stark warning, Tsahkna compared Putin's actions to those of Hitler in the Munich meeting of 1938, which led to the loss of Czechoslovakia and the start of World War II in Europe. He also stated that Putin won't stop his aggression and may take a break to prepare for the next level of conflict somewhere else in Europe.
The virtual summit, organized by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, includes leaders from the EU, NATO, and Ukraine to coordinate strategy ahead of the Trump-Putin summit. The discussions are expected to focus on options to pressure Russia and preparations for possible peace negotiations, with participants warning against any peace deals made without European or Ukrainian input that might jeopardize security or territorial integrity.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/estonian-minister-calls-unconditional-ceasefire-russia-ukraine-2021-06-16/ [2] https://www.baltictimes.com/estonian_foreign_minister_calls_for_unconditional_ceasefire_in_ukraine_and_sanctions_against_russia/ [4] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/estonian-foreign-minister-says-russia-remains-persistent-threat-2021-06-14/ [5] https://www.bloombergquint.com/global-economics/finland-s-president-to-represent-estonia-at-virtual-eu-summit-on-ukraine-conflict
In a separate development, the Kremlin has expressed concern about Estonia's stated readiness to host nuclear-capable jets. The issue was discussed at a meeting between Tsahkna and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, where Lavrov raised the matter, expressing Moscow's displeasure.
Tsahkna, however, reiterated Estonia's commitment to its NATO obligations and its right to defend itself. The issue is likely to be a point of contention in future discussions between the two nations.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-warns-estonian-hosting-nuclear-capable-jets-would-be-dangerous-escalation-2021-06-18/
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