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Foreign Minister Tsahkna at the EU foreign ministers' meeting: Europe has the means to step up pressure on Russia and to continue supporting Ukraine

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

20.11.2025 | 14:14

On 20 November in Brussels, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated at the meeting of European Union foreign ministers, in light of recent public debate on possible peace plans, that Europe will continue to exert pressure on Russia and to support Ukraine, enabling Ukraine to carry on its fight for freedom, independence and sovereignty.

"Russia has not agreed to a ceasefire, although Ukraine expressed its readiness for one several months ago. Instead, Russia has continued its brutal attacks against Ukraine, killing at least 26 people, including three children, in the strike on Ternopil last night," Tsahkna said. "As Russia's objective of destroying Ukraine and reshaping Europe's security architecture remains unchanged, so does our position: Ukraine must be helped to reach a position of strength, and Russia must be pressured into changing course."

According to Foreign Minister Tsahkna, the EU foreign ministers were united at today's meeting and expressed their full support for Ukraine in its struggle for a just and lasting peace.

"No solution concerning Ukraine and European security that is reached without the involvement of Ukraine and Europe will work," Tsahkna stressed. "The European Union has the resources and instruments to increase pressure on Russia, as confirmed by the foreign ministers today in Brussels. We are continuing work on the 20th sanctions package, developing ways to deter Russia's shadow fleet even more effectively, and discussing the use of Russia's frozen assets and the imposition of tariffs," Tsahkna said.

The foreign ministers also talked about recent hybrid attacks and acts of sabotage in Europe, as well as the situation in the Middle East, the Sahel and Sudan. In addition, the EU foreign ministers held talks with ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Foreign Minister Tsahkna also had bilateral meetings with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Philippine Foreign Minister Maria Theresa Lazaro.

Tomorrow, Foreign Minister Tsahkna will take part in the EU-India and Indo‑Pacific Forum in Brussels, which will bring together foreign ministers from both regions. The forum will address defence and security, economic security, and climate and the green transition.