Estonia’s president, Alar Karis, has made a strong statement about the West’s mission to curb Russia’s military ambitions.
Speaking to Finland’s YLE, Karis emphasized that stopping Russia is a key priority for Estonia and its Western allies.
Preparing for the Worst
As a neighbor to Russia, Estonia has a unique perspective on the geopolitical tensions in the region. "As Russia's neighbor, you must prepare for the worst," Karis advised.
He expressed skepticism about any imminent changes within Russia’s political landscape, suggesting that the U.S. and Europe might have to deal with several more Russian leaders before seeing any shift in international relations.
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Karis underscored the importance of continuing economic sanctions against Russia. According to him, these measures are crucial in pressuring ordinary Russians to demand change.
"We will do everything in our power to bring Russia and Putin to their knees," Karis declared. He believes that only under such pressure will serious negotiations to resolve the Ukrainian crisis be possible.
NATO Troops in Ukraine?
When asked about the potential deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine, Karis was cautious.
He explained that such a decision is beyond his authority and would need to be made by the Estonian parliament.
"Ukrainians do not need Western troops; they need arms, especially air defense systems," Karis stated, emphasizing the critical need for military support rather than direct intervention.
Despite his hardline stance, Karis also mentioned Estonia’s intention to keep its border with Russia open and maintain some level of contact with Moscow.
By maintaining pressure through sanctions and providing essential military aid, Karis envisions a path where Russia might eventually be compelled to negotiate seriously about the crisis in Ukraine.
