Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated at the GLOBSEC security conference in Prague that Europe should increase pressure on Russia and not fear the possible end of Vladimir Putin's regime.
Speaking at the international security conference GLOBSEC in Prague, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that Europe should continue to support Ukraine and increase sanctions pressure on Russia.
According to the minister, Ukraine currently plays a key role in ensuring the security of the entire European continent.
"Today, Ukraine is the largest military force in Europe, and its potential is crucial for European security," Tsahkna emphasized.
The Estonian minister also advocated for maintaining long-term sanctions against Russia, noting that they seriously affect the capabilities of the Russian military machine.
He stated that funding for the Russian army largely depends on revenues from energy exports, so economic pressure remains one of the most important tools for the West.
"We should not fear the end of Putin's regime," Tsahkna said.
He drew a historical parallel with the collapse of the Soviet Union, reminding that the Baltic states were under Soviet occupation for decades.
"Estonia lived under Soviet occupation for more than 50 years because the world feared the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, its end marked the flourishing of democracy in Europe," the minister noted.
Tsahkna's remarks came against the backdrop of ongoing discussions in Europe about how firmly to continue pressure on Russia and how long to support Ukraine in the war.
Commenting on possible peace negotiations, the head of the Estonian Foreign Ministry stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not yet ready for a substantive dialogue.
At the same time, he noted that Moscow's position is gradually changing.
"We see that Russia's tone has changed and Russia is suffering," Tsahkna said.
For the Baltic states, the issue of long-term security remains particularly sensitive due to geographical proximity to Russia and historical experience from the Soviet period.
The GLOBSEC conference is considered one of the largest international platforms in Central Europe where security, defense, and geopolitical issues are discussed.
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