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Comment by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the phone call between President Donald Trump and Putin

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

13.02.2025

Comment by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the phone call between President Donald Trump and Putin

"A thorough overview of Estonia's positions can be found in the annual speech on foreign policy that I presented in Riigikogu on Tuesday. In short, Estonia's position has not changed: a position of strength must be achieved before launching negotiations. Putin will not come to the negotiating table by just asking. In order to achieve lasting peace in Europe, we must keep in mind that Putin has not changed the initial goals of his aggression - subjugating Ukraine and restructuring the security architecture of Europe.

Just as Putin has no intention of stopping hostilities even during potential talks, we must maintain western unity and increase support in order to achieve a position of strength: maximise military assistance to Ukraine, and political and economic pressure on Russia. Our actions must show that we are not changing course and also convince Russia that victory is not within reach and time is not working in his favour. Rashness and rushing only urges Putin to continue the aggression and stick to his demands.

In order to maintain peace, Ukraine needs to have a working security guarantee. Estonia remains convinced that the best, most efficient and credible security guarantee in Europe is NATO membership and Ukraine's right to choose its own security arrangements, including a path to NATO remaining an option. Estonia's support to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering and we will never recognise changing borders by force. Europe's security issues must be discussed with European Allies and partners. This means that the supporters of Ukraine must first agree among themselves on how to guarantee the country's security, including its defence in case the aggression recurs. It would certainly be wrong to do this during negotiations with Russia.

Estonia's consistent position has been that European countries need to invest more in Europe's defence capabilities and take on more responsibility. Estonia is committed to a strong NATO and transatlantic relations."