Estonian formin: Pressure on Putin must be increased

TALLINN - Estonia supports the call by Ukraine and key allies for a 30-day unconditional cease-fire, and if Russia refuses, collective pressure on Moscow must be sharply intensified, Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna said.

"Estonia's support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty is unwavering. We will continue to assist Ukraine in every possible way, including on its path to NATO and European Union membership," Tsahkna stated.

The foreign minister said Estonia's commitment to Ukraine and thus to the security of all Europe is also reflected in its readiness to contribute a company-sized unit to a future deterrence mission aimed at guaranteeing Ukraine's security once the fighting stops.

"Estonia's goal is a lasting and just peace. To achieve it, the aggressor must understand that continuing the war is not worth it. We have consistently said -- Russia must change course, end its aggression, return to its own borders -- and stay there. Otherwise, international pressure will continue and intensify," he said.

"The proposed 30-day unconditional cease-fire is another opportunity for Putin to abandon his course of aggression. If he refuses to take it, he will again show that Russia's aggressive goals remain unchanged. In that case, we must act swiftly by increasing military aid, imposing new sanctions, and using Russia's frozen assets," Tsahkna added.