Estonian formin in Washington: Kremlin understands only language of force and action

TALLINN - During his visit to Washington, D.C, Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna stated that the Kremlin only understands the language of force and action.

On Monday, Tsahkna met with members of Congress, think tank representatives, and former US deputy secretary of state and ambassador to Moscow, John Sullivan. The meetings focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between Estonia and the United States, as well as the broader security situation in Europe and globally.

In meetings with Republican senators Jon Husted of Ohio and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, and former Democratic speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Tsahkna highlighted the close alliance between Estonia and the United States.

"The United States is a vital ally and strategic partner for Estonia," he said, and thanked the United States for its significant contribution to regional security.

The foreign minister emphasized Estonia's strong commitment to self-defense, noting that the country is allocating 3.7 percent of its GDP to defense this year and 5.4 percent next year.

"For every dollar the United States invests in Estonia's security, we contribute 12 dollars through our own defense budget," Tsahkna said. "Estonia is committed to a strong NATO and a strong transatlantic relationship."

He pointed to Estonia's recent acquisition of HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, manufactured at the US defense company Lockheed Martin, as an example of close and practical cooperation between the two countries.

Discussions also addressed Russia's aggression and the continued need to support Ukraine.

"Putin has not changed his goal -- it remains the subjugation of Ukraine and the reshaping of Europe's security architecture," Tsahkna said, adding that there is no sign Russia is interested in peace.

"The only language the Kremlin understands and truly respects is one of force and concrete action. At the same time, China, Iran, and North Korea are watching closely. If Russia's aggression in Ukraine succeeds, if victims are blamed and the West 'grows tired,' it will create fertile ground for further acts of aggression around the world," he said.

The talks also covered increasing the cost of war for Russia, including additional sanctions and the use of frozen Russian state assets to support Ukraine.

In the meeting with the former US deputy secretary of state and ambassador to Moscow, John Sullivan, discussions focused on global security and deepening transatlantic ties.

Discussions at influential think tanks centered on geopolitical threats and the West's strategic response. Nile Gardiner, director of the Margaret Thatcher Center at the Heritage Foundation; Kimberley Kagan, president of the Institute for the Study of War; and Frederick Kagan and Marc Thiessen from the American Enterprise Institute all stressed the need to maintain unity between the United States and its allies in defending democratic values.

On Tuesday, Tsahkna will speak in the opening panel of the Munich Leaders Meeting, titled "Back to Basics? Revisiting Shared Transatlantic Interests." On the sidelines of the conference, he will also meet with Liechtenstein's new Foreign Minister Sabine Monauni.