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Foreign Minister Tsahkna at the Lennart Meri Conference: Raising defence spending is not a bikini contest, it's about ensuring security

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

16.05.2025 | 21:11

Speaking at the opening panel of the Lennart Meri Conference, which began today, 16 May, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that NATO Allies need to increase their defence spending not in order to stand out as if in a bikini contest, but in order to deter Russia, which poses a threat to the security of the entire Alliance.

"With today's talks in Istanbul, Russia has once again proven that it is not interested in peace; instead, it continues to seek the destruction of Ukraine and the restructuring of European security through military action. This sends us a clear signal that Russia is and remains the most serious long-term threat to NATO's security," Tsahkna said. "Estonia's decision to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP next year does not stem from a desire to stand out as if in a bikini contest; instead, the goal is to complete NATO's regional defence plans and fill existing capability gaps."

In addition to Foreign Minister Tsahkna, the panel on transatlantic security also included NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, and US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker. The panel was moderated by Politico journalist Amy Mackinnon.

Speaking about Ukraine, Tsahkna said that NATO membership is the best security guarantee for Ukraine, but it would also ensure European security. "Neutral regions in Russia's neighbourhood have always served as a green light for Russia's aggression," Tsahkna said, adding that even if Ukraine's NATO membership takes time, it must always remain on the table as an option. "Ukraine must remain a sovereign state with the right to choose its own security arrangements and alliances."

On the sidelines of the conference, Foreign Minister Tsahkna met with NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska to discuss preparations for the June NATO summit in The Hague, the strengthening of NATO's deterrence and defence posture, and transatlantic relations.

Tomorrow, the foreign minister will meet with Matthew Whitaker, the US Ambassador to NATO.