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Tsahkna in Brussels: Russia's hybrid actions require a response

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

27.05.2024

Today Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna attended a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, where he gave an overview of Russia's activities on Estonia's eastern border, and the ministers discussed Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East and Georgia.

Tsahkna said the removal of border markings by Russia in the cover of night fitted into a broader pattern of provocative actions by Russia. "Russia removed the border markings from the border of not just Estonia but also NATO and the EU," he said, adding that the violation required a response. "Russia's hybrid actions are becoming increasingly blatant and aggressive and we need to respond."

The ministers discussed continued comprehensive support to Ukraine and raising the cost of the war for Russia, including using the windfall profits from frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine and imposing additional sanctions against Russia. "I am looking forward to prompt decisions on these issues," Tsahkna emphasised. He added that at the same time, discussions over using primary assets must continue, as the majority of Russia's sovereign assets that have been frozen and are worth more than €300 billion are located in Europe.

Tsahkna said it was equally critical to make progress with the Ukraine package of the European Peace Facility (EPF) to help Ukraine with ammunition and other critical equipment. "Ukrainian soldiers are fighting on the frontline for not only their independence, but the security of all of Europe and they do not have enough ammunition to defend themselves." The meeting also covered improving the defence capability of Europe, where boosting the productivity of Europe's defence industry is key.

On the initiative of Foreign Minister Tsahkna, the ministers spoke about the situation in Georgia, including the law on foreign agents adopted in the Georgian parliament. "The path the government of Georgia has chosen despite the opposition of its people deprives them of a chance to become a part of the European Union," he said. "European Union membership is the best guarantee for a democratic Georgia. I am hoping with all my heart that Georgia will not turn its back on Europe."

Touching upon the situation in the Middle East, Tsahkna welcomed the peace efforts of the EU. "The humanitarian situation in Gaza is critical; children make up more than half of the population and nearly 1.1 million residents of Gaza are at immediate risk of famine. I am calling on Israel to do its utmost to make sure that critical humanitarian aid reaches those in need."

The beginning of the discussion was attended by the foreign ministers of Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan and Qatar, and the secretary general of the Arab League.