Europe unlikely to reset ties with Russia, Estonian FM says

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has said that Europe has no intention of returning to its previous relationship with Russia, underscoring a continued commitment to pressure Moscow amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Tsahkna indicated that European countries see no meaningful prospect of reverting to past ties, emphasising that there is little appetite across the continent to “look back.” He added that Europe remains skeptical about the chances of a swift peace and believes that even if one is reached, Russia would continue to act as an aggressive state.

The remarks reflect a broader European stance shaped by years of strained relations and sanctions. Following the European Union’s sweeping trade restrictions on Russia four years ago, businesses across the region were forced to rapidly adapt to disrupted supply chains.

One such example is Puidukoda, a timber producer that had relied heavily on Russian imports of spruce and pine. According to industry accounts, the company lost more than half of its supply and had to urgently seek alternatives.

Over a six-month period, Puidukoda shifted its sourcing strategy westward, securing around 30 new suppliers from Scandinavia.

By Sabina Mammadli