Estonia's Tsahkna to Italian deputy minister: Pressure on Russia must increase

TALLINN - Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna met with Italy's Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli in Tallinn on Friday to discuss shared security concerns, including Russia's aggression against Ukraine, strengthening bilateral relations, and deepening economic cooperation.

Tsahkna stated that Italy is a close and valuable partner for Estonia. Our countries are good partners within the European Union and we highly value Italy's contribution to the security of NATO's eastern flank, including its participation in the NATO Baltic air policing mission in Ämari from August 2025 to March 2026, the minister said according to spokespeople.

Speaking about comprehensive support for Ukraine, Tsahkna said that Putin does not want peace, and the latest brutal attack on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure is proof of that.

"Ukraine's wish is to achieve a lasting and just peace. We must continue to support Ukraine militarily, politically, and economically to help them achieve this," Tsahkna said, and he praised Italy for organizing the Ukraine reconstruction conference in Rome in July.

"Estonia will never recognize any attempt to change borders by force. Russia must be held accountable for the devastation caused in Ukraine, and the pressure on it must be raised to an unbearably high level so that it ends this war," the Estonian minister emphasized.

"I am looking forward to today's and tomorrow's discussion in Denmark on how we can increase the cost of aggression for Russia and ensure our unwavering support for Ukraine," he said, referring to the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Denmark.

"Rapid progress in the EU enlargement process, the 19th sanctions package, the mobilization of frozen assets for Ukraine, and measures to combat the shadow fleet are key," he added.

The meeting also discussed the promotion of economic cooperation between Estonia and Italy. Tsahkna emphasized Estonia's readiness to deepen collaboration in defense industry, tourism, strategic infrastructure, including the Rail Baltic. Developments in Europe's neighborhood and globally were also addressed, with an emphasis on the importance of supporting democracy and advancing European integration.

After the meeting with Cirielli, Tsahkna will head to Copenhagen to attend the informal meeting of European Union foreign ministers (Gymnich) on Aug. 29 and 30. The discussions in the capital of Denmark will focus on Russia's aggression against Ukraine, increasing the cost of the war for Russia, and the situation in the Middle East.