Estonian leader: Europe will eventually have to resume dialogue with Russia PHOTO

Estonian President Alar Karis has said that Europe will eventually need to resume dialogue with Russia, noting this would be possible once the conflict ends and under the condition that changes take place within Russia itself.

Speaking during a state visit to Helsinki, after meeting with Finnish counterpart Alexander Stubb, he made it clear that Russia remains a neighbour of the Baltic states and Finland, making long-term coexistence unavoidable, Caliber.Az reports, citing Finnish media.

Karis previously stated that after the end of the war in Ukraine, Europe should be prepared to re-engage with Russia.

Stubb supported the position, stressing that the issue of contacts with Russia is regularly discussed but is currently “on pause” due to the war.

He said that dialogue could be possible in the future, but it must be conducted collectively and in a coordinated manner to avoid unilateral steps by individual countries.

Commenting on the situation on the front line, Stubb said that Ukraine has been “acting more effectively than Russia” in recent months and that Europe should rely more on Ukraine’s experience.

He also said he sees no signs that Moscow is preparing to test NATO’s defences, although hybrid threats persist.

Both leaders emphasised the need to strengthen European defence capabilities and increase Europe’s responsibility for its own security, while Karis also highlighted the importance of maintaining a US presence in the region.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov