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Tsahkna to Italian Deputy Foreign Minister: pressure on Russia must increase

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

29.08.2025 | 16:46

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna met with Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli in Tallinn today, August 29, to discuss common security issues, including Russia's aggression against Ukraine, strengthening bilateral relations and deepening economic cooperation.

Tsahkna said at the meeting that Italy is a close and valuable partner for Estonia. "We are good partners in the European Union and we highly appreciate Italy's contribution to the security of NATO's eastern flank, including its participation in the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission in Ämari from August 2025 to March 2026."

Speaking about the full support for Ukraine, Tsahkna said: "Putin does not want peace, and the brutal attack on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure the night before yesterday is proof of that. "Ukraine's desire is to achieve a lasting and just peace. We must continue to support Ukraine militarily, politically and economically to help them achieve this," Tsahkna said, commending Italy for hosting the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in Rome in July.

"Estonia will never recognize any attempt to change borders by force. Russia must be held accountable for the destruction it has caused in Ukraine, and the pressure must be raised to an unbearably high level for it to end this war," Tsahkna stressed. "I look forward to today's and tomorrow's discussions in Denmark on how we can increase the price of aggression for Russia and ensure our unwavering support for Ukraine," he said, referring to the meeting of European Union foreign ministers taking place in Denmark today and tomorrow. "Rapid progress with the European Union enlargement process, the 19th sanctions package, the use of frozen assets for Ukraine and measures to combat the shadow fleet are key," Tsahkna added.

The promotion of economic cooperation between Estonia and Italy was discussed. Tsahkna stressed Estonia's readiness to intensify cooperation in the field of the defense industry, tourism, strategic infrastructure, including Rail Baltic.

Whilst speaking about Europe's neighborhood and the wider world Tsahkna emphasized the importance of supporting democracy and the need to move forward with European integration.

After the meeting with Cirielli, Tsahkna will head to the informal meeting of European Union foreign ministers (Gymnich) to be held in the Danish capital Copenhagen on August 29 and 30. The meeting will focus on discussions on Russia's aggression against Ukraine, raising the cost of war for Russia, and the situation in the Middle East.