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Foreign Minister Tsahkna meeting with Baerbock: Europe holds strong levers to keep up the pressure on Russia

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

27.03.2025

Today 27 March, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Berlin to discuss further steps in supporting Ukraine, raising the cost of the war for Russia and reinforcing Europe's defence capabilities. Foreign Minister Tsahkna also presented his German colleague with the Foreign Ministry's Cross of Merit, First Class.

Tsahkna thanked Germany for its contribution to boosting the deterrence and defence posture in our region through its participation in Baltic Air Policing and the deployment of troops in Lithuania. Tsahkna also highlighted Germany's recent decision to ease its debt rules that allows Germany to increase its defence spending considerably.

"The decision by each individual country to invest more in defence strengthens collective security and in the current security situation and in light of the seriousness of the Russian threat, it is the only right course," Tsahkna said, noting that Estonia planned to raise its defence spending to 5% of GDP as early as next year.

The meeting included an in-depth discussion on Russia's aggression against Ukraine and how to support Ukraine both militarily and on its path to European Union membership.

Tsahkna underlined the need to further limit Russia's ability to wage war. "The European Union must adopt a strong 17th sanctions package and make a decision about the mobilisation of the frozen sovereign assets of Russia," the foreign minister said. "We cannot risk the possibility that only in a few months the aggressor gets back its assets."

Tsahkna said that Russia continuing to attack Ukraine and constantly issuing new demands showed that Russia had not given up on its goals and hoped to achieve these goals on the battlefield.

During the meeting, Tsahkna presented his German counterpart with the Foreign Ministry's Cross of Merit, First Class, for her contribution to supporting Ukraine and upholding European values.

"In more than three years as foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock has proven her commitment to Ukraine, Europe, and the security of the alliance that unites us," Tsahkna said when presenting the decoration.

As part of his visit, Tsahkna also attended the Europe 2025 security conference and met with several German politicians and thinktankers.