Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
However, now Europe must focus on getting through difficult times, he thinks.
Looking back at major historical events, it is easy to spot the exact moment a different path could have been taken.
When a crisis drags on for years, leaders often reflect on the early days and the missed chances to change course.
Now, one European leader is sharing his thoughts on what the continent should have done differently.
The missed chance
Estonian President Alar Karis told Finnish broadcaster Yle that European leaders missed a crucial window for peace.
Following the initial push towards Kyiv in 2022, he believes the continent made a significant error in its diplomatic approach.
The president argued that international powers should have pressured Russian officials to sit at the negotiating table back then, following the Battle for Kyiv.
Instead, the situation escalated, leaving the continent dealing with a prolonged and devastating reality.
The Battle for Kyiv
When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 2022, the Russian army tried to seize the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.
The Russian forces captured key ares in the initial attack, but Ukrainian resistance stopped the Russian momentum.
Poor logistics and tactical miscalculations from the Russian leadership helped Ukraine to avoid encirclement, eventually leading to a counter attack, which forced the Russian forces to retreat.
Looking ahead
With the conflict now stretching into a fifth year, Karis is urging a massive shift in focus.
He warned that European nations need to figure out their long-term strategy for dealing with Moscow, rather than just reacting to daily events.
The European political machine is notoriously slow, which is why he feels the time to act is already slipping away.
“The EU has invested heavily in Ukraine. We must have our own plans regarding Russia. We need to start developing these plans right now, because processes within the EU take a long time,” Karis told Yle.
Hope for change
Rebuilding a working relationship across the border will definitely not happen overnight.
Karis pointed to post-war Germany as historical proof that even deeply fractured ties can eventually be repaired through careful work.
However, he acknowledged that right now, the primary goal is simply to weather the storm.
“There is no other way out right now. We just have to get through these difficult times,” he added during the interview.
Defining the borders
During the broadcast, the Estonian leader also addressed swirling rumours about his stance on international borders.
He firmly denied pushing for Ukraine to give up land, insisting that only leaders in Kyiv can make those heavy decisions.
Meanwhile, the financial pressure on Moscow continues to build behind the scenes.
According to reports from Ukrinform, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna confirmed that the twenty-first package of European sanctions is already in the works.
Sources: Yle, Ukrinform
