Estonia: Russian strike near Polish border shows how close war is to EU territory

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said on social media platform X that Russia already poses a threat to all of Europe, not just Ukraine. He made the statement after spending three days in Ukraine, during which, he said, air raid sirens sounded continuously, day and night.

Tsahkna said he personally witnessed the aftermath of Russian attacks and saw how Ukrainians suffer in their daily lives, even inside their own homes. He noted that after crossing the border from Ukraine into Poland, one might get the impression the war has been left far behind. However, on September 13, Russia carried out a strike near Yahodyn, a location very close to the Polish border.

Other Russian actions against Europe

The Estonian foreign minister recalled that strikes are not the only way Russia threatens European countries. He also pointed to sabotage, cyberattacks, provocations, interference in domestic political processes, and disinformation campaigns — threats Ukraine faces every single day.

Call to strengthen support

Tsahkna called on Ukraine's partners to immediately increase military assistance and, in particular, to strengthen the country's air defense capabilities. He also said Ukraine's ability to strike deep inside Russian territory should be enhanced to reduce the aggressor's capacity to continue the war.

The minister called for greater sanctions pressure on Russia to cut the revenues used to fund its war machine. "Putin must understand that every act of aggression and terror only raises the cost of this war for Russia, rather than lowering it," Tsahkna said.

He concluded by stressing that supporting Ukraine is not merely aid to Kyiv — it is an investment in the security of all of Europe.