Estonian FM comments on President Karis's statements about dialogue with Russia

According to Ukrinform, ERR stated this in an article.

The official commented on Karis's statement that Europe made a mistake by not achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine during the first spring of Russia's full-scale invasion.

"Alar Karis' desire to engage in dialogue with Russia is something that conflicts with the entire European and Estonian foreign policy and would instead give Putin an opportunity to present his demands, conditions, and ultimatums. And this idea that somehow a ceasefire should have been made after February 2022 — I would remind Alar Karis that at that time Putin presented ultimatums concerning Ukraine's sovereignty and territory, and also our own freedom and security guarantees in the context of NATO," the Estonian minister said.

In turn, the leader of the Estonian opposition party Isamaa, Urmas Reinsalu, noted that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is not Europe's fault.

"If we look specifically at whether Europe could somehow have been capable of achieving a halt to hostilities in the spring of 2022, I do not share that view. We can recall that bilateral negotiations did take place between Ukraine and Russia. But they broke down when Ukraine regained territory, including Bucha. In reality, the focus is on the aggressor, who to this day has shown no intention of abandoning its military and strategic objectives," Reinsalu said.

As Ukrinform reported, Karis believes that Europe should have its own plans regarding Russia, and these plans should start being developed right now.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna also stated that work has already begun on the EU's 21st package of sanctions against Russia.

Photo: ERR