Tsahkna: Pushing Europe into neutral mediator role would be a trap from Russia

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna visited Germany on June 19-20, where he met with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and spoke at the Kiel Security Conference. During his speech, Tsahkna stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin uses two traps to divide the West: false hopes and intimidation.

Tsahkna recalled that Western nations have repeatedly harbored hopes that Russian aggression would end—after the invasion of Georgia, the annexation of Crimea in 2014, and the signing of the Minsk agreements. Each time, these hopes proved futile. The second trap is fear, with which Russia tries to influence Western decisions by talking about escalation.

He called on Europe not to entertain illusions that dialogue alone can end Russian aggression. Some circles believe that since Russia is currently in a weaker position, dialogue can begin. Tsahkna emphasized that Europe must maintain strategic patience, increase pressure on Russia, and firmly support Ukraine. Europe must not allow itself to be drawn into the role of a neutral mediator, as that would be another trap set by Russia.

Recently, several European leaders, including Estonian President Alar Karis, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have expressed the need to reopen communication channels with Russia.