President Ilves calls for containment of Russia

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Vienna on June 17, Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves called for a containment policy against the Russian Federation.

During the conference entitled “Relations Between Russia, the EU, the U.S. and Russia,” Ilves called for a containment policy against the Russian Federation due to its expansion into Eastern Ukraine, but stressed it would not be isolated.

“A realistic policy towards Russia is containment,” said Ilves. “This does not mean Russia, who has violated international rules, is isolated, it means its expansionist efforts are strongly blocked. 

“The key to the solution of the current conflict, is the reformation and modernisation of Ukraine.

“Western countries can accelerate this process quicker, by making an even greater contribution in supporting the Ukrainian Government.”

The Estonian head of state added he does not believe relations between the European Union and the Russian Federation can be normalised until Russia stops its involvement in the Ukrainian conflict. 

He also called for a stop in Russian Air Force planes flying in international airspace without switched on transponders. 

The Munich Security Conference has been held since 2009, and focuses on international security issues.