Estonian FM: Russia seeks to draw Europe deeper into Ukraine negotiations

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has said that Moscow is attempting to pull Europe more directly into negotiations over the war in Ukraine, warning that the move could be aimed at gaining diplomatic leverage and easing sanctions pressure on Russia.

Speaking on ERR’s Ukraina Studio, Tsahkna argued that the United States is no longer playing a central role in the negotiation process, saying discussions in their previous form have effectively “ended”.

“In essence, they have ended in their previous form. Now everyone understands that President Vladimir Putin’s aim is to pull Europe into the negotiations,” he said.

Tsahkna suggested that earlier contacts between Western capitals and Moscow, which lasted more than a year, did not amount to genuine negotiations. Instead, he described them as prolonged “talks” that allowed Russia to buy time while maintaining its position on the battlefield.

According to the minister, Moscow is now actively seeking greater European involvement, which he said could be intended to secure additional leverage, including a possible easing of sanctions. He noted that the European Union is preparing a new sanctions package, which may include “very painful measures”, such as a potential full ban on maritime services.

He argued that Europe should maintain a “strategic pause” and continue applying pressure on Russia in order to improve the conditions for any future talks.

“The role of a mediator implies a neutral position aimed at finding compromise between Ukraine and Russia. That is absolutely not our objective,” Tsahkna said. “Our goal is to define — and, if negotiations ever take place — to defend what the European security architecture will look like.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev