Estonia’s foreign minister warns Russia targets US in Ukraine war

Estonia’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, has expressed his concerns about Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine, stating that President Putin has a plan to restore the Soviet empire. In an exclusive interview with Fox News in Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, Tsahkna emphasized that Russia sees the U.S. as its main enemy historically.

Having previously served as Estonia’s defense minister, Tsahkna recalled the tense situation nine years ago when 120,000 Russian soldiers were poised to invade his country in just 48 hours. He noted that these troops have since been deployed to Ukraine, where they have suffered significant losses.

Despite the current economic weaknesses in Russia, Tsahkna warned that the country is preparing for future aggression. In response, Estonia has announced plans to increase defense spending to over 5% of its GDP next year, aligning with President Donald Trump’s requests for NATO members.

Estonia recently welcomed the arrival of HIMARS satellite-guided rocket systems from the United States, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities. The country has also withdrawn from the Ottawa Convention alongside other Baltic and Nordic nations to counter Russia’s use of anti-personnel landmines in Ukraine.

In response to Russia’s actions, Estonia has cut off energy imports from Russia and now receives 80% of its natural gas from the United States. However, Tsahkna highlighted that the European Union has been less assertive in reducing its energy dependence on Russia.

Beyond military aggression, Tsahkna raised concerns about Russia’s manipulation of religion for political purposes and dismissed the proposed ceasefire surrounding World War II Victory Day celebrations as insincere. He also addressed the sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, attributing some incidents to Russia and China.

While NATO has deployed warships off Estonia’s coast to safeguard against further cable disruptions, Tsahkna expressed skepticism about the prospects for a ceasefire in Ukraine. He emphasized President Trump’s desire for peace but doubted Putin’s willingness to negotiate.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Tsahkna ruled out the possibility of Putin resorting to nuclear weapons, describing such a move as “political suicide.” He urged Western nations to stand firm against Russian aggression and not succumb to fear.

In conclusion, Estonia remains vigilant against potential threats from Russia and is actively strengthening its defense capabilities to safeguard its sovereignty. Tsahkna’s insights shed light on the complex dynamics at play in the region and underscore the importance of unity and resilience in the face of external challenges.