Estonia's Prime Minister Criticized Attempts to Establish Contacts with Russia
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Mihal stated on June 19 that European Council President António Costa’s attempts to establish diplomatic contacts with Russia are misguided. According to him, such steps are not in line with the current security situation in Europe.
As Mihal noted, Costa’s attempts to establish informal diplomatic channels with the Kremlin could undermine the EU’s support for Ukraine.
He said that Russia continues to reject any realistic path to peace. Michal also emphasized that any diplomatic activity must be carried out under Kyiv’s leadership.
“The European Union cannot assume the role of mediator in these negotiations. As soon as the EU—or any individual country—positions itself as a mediator, this inevitably limits its own ability to take precisely those measures that are necessary to support Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia,” the Estonian prime minister stressed.
He also added that suggestions regarding the need for alternative channels or behind-the-scenes diplomatic negotiations are misguided.
“The goal remains the same: Putin must ultimately accept the conditions set forth by Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine. History offers a clear warning against attempts to negotiate with dictators in alternative formats. Democratic countries are ultimately forced to negotiate concessions among themselves, while a dictator simply chooses from the menu of options presented to him, exploiting divisions and weakening the democratic world,” Michal stressed.
He is convinced that “Europe must maintain strategic patience.”
“Hasty diplomacy rarely yields long-term results; more often than not, it leads to negative consequences,” the Estonian prime minister concluded in an interview with Politico.
Earlier, Estoniaresponded to Russia’s accusations of mistreating Russians.
Estonia blamed Russia for the arrival of Ukrainian drones.
A Romanian fighter jet participating in a NATO air patrol mission shot down a stray attack drone over Estonian territory.
