“Everyone wants peace – except Russia”: Kaja Kallas stressed the need for further pressure on the Russian Federation

Estonian President Kaja Kallas emphasized the continued necessity of applying pressure on Russia, stating, “Everyone wants peace – except Russia.” She asserted that sanctions and political isolation remain essential tools to maintain this pressure. Kallas underscored the importance of unity, noting that it is more critical than ever. On Friday, President Kallas called for allies to strengthen defense capabilities, advocating for the reinforcement of defense and alliance relations.

“The creation of connections between allies is the West’s strength. It’s our trump card,” she stated. “As America gives Europe the strength to be a global player, and Europe, in turn, helps maintain America’s global influence.

A strong NATO, together with a strong Europe, is a confidence-inspiring factor for our enemies.”

President Kallas affirmed Estonia’s commitment to alliance relations, including NATO, the European Union, and a multilateral approach. “Our success, our freedom – is the direct result of our cooperation with allies. Cooperation between countries over decades has ensured peace and security in Europe and other countries.

The combined strength and conviction of our allies is the best deterrent for our enemies,” she said. The President highlighted Europe’s need to strengthen its military capabilities, noting that significant progress has been made but further investment is required. “Europe is moving in the right direction in strengthening its defense potential.

Much has already been done, but there is still a long way to go.” Estonia plans to invest more than 5 percent of its GDP in national defense for at least the next few years, a decision based on expert calculations of Estonia’s defense needs and NATO obligations. She urged allies to make similar investments. “We need not only to create new opportunities, but also to get out of the hole that was created by decades of underfunding.

Not investing the 2 percent that was promised in 2014, Europe lost hundreds of billions of defense potential. We need deterrence that would work now, not in ten years,” the president said. President Kallas addressed the perception that countries bordering Russia should spend more on defense, arguing that Russia’s aggression extends beyond immediate neighbors.

“Some say that it is natural for countries neighboring Russia to spend more on defense. But they, it seems, do not understand that Russia’s aggression is not directed only against its neighbors – it is directed against the whole of Europe and the whole NATO.”

She supported the initiative of French President Macron and British Prime Minister May to establish a coalition providing security guarantees to Ukraine. “Our defense forces are ready to participate in it, if the Riigikogu gives its consent.” President Kallas confirmed Estonia’s support for Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO.

“Not only because it is the best guarantee for a peaceful future for Ukraine, but also because Ukraine, with its will to self-defense and unbreakable army, will make NATO stronger, and Europe as a whole – more secure. I am convinced that Ukraine will one day become a member of NATO.”

The President stated that the Russian threat will not disappear through goodwill or concessions. “It is difficult for Estonia to trust Russia in any agreement – Russia has already violated treaties with us, and with our allies, including the birth certificate of our state, the Tartu Peace Treaty of 1920.” “Taking demands of dictators never led to lasting peace.

A lasting peace came when we left our comfort zone and confronted tyranny – said the head of state. – For the deterrence of tyrants, strength and actions are needed, not just words.”

Topics: #russia #everyone #wants