Estonian ForMin secgen in Brussels: Russia must be pressured to change course

TALLINN - Estonian Foreign Ministry secretary general Jonatan Vseviov was in Brussels on April 18-19, where at meetings with NATO and European Union representatives he stressed the need to pressure Russia to change course.

Other topics discussed included the situation in the Middle East and the vessel captured in the Strait of Hormuz, on board of which is an Estonian resident. Diplomatic efforts to ensure his release continue, spokespeople for the Foreign Ministry said.

At the meeting, the secretary general stressed the need to provide urgent weapons aid and air defense equipment to Ukraine, because the situation on the front is very serious.

"The final result of the war in Ukraine will affect the security situation in the whole world," Vseviov said. "That's why all our activities must be aimed at getting Russia to change its current course, stop hostilities and withdraw to its borders."

He drew attention to the need to continue working on the tightening of sanctions and the use of Russia's frozen assets.

"We must be creative in helping Ukraine and not draw red lines, because we are facing an aggressor who does not set limits to its activities," Vseviov said.

According to the secretary general, it is necessary to take further steps on the path of Ukraine joining NATO and the European Union.

"Neutral areas in Europe encourage Russia to aggression," Vseviov said, adding that NATO's open door policy and the enlargement of the European Union help ensure security in the entire Euro-Atlantic area.

The secretary general emphasized at the meetings that Russia is and will remain the most serious source of threat for NATO and therefore the alliance must have a long-term plan to defend itself against this threat, as well as financial resources.

"Increasing defense spending is key for allies to be able to counter all security threats," Vseviov said.

While in Brussels, Vseviov met with Stian Jenssen, director of the private office of the NATO secretary general, Boris Ruge, NATO assistant secretary general for political affairs and security policy, Stefano Sannino, secretary general of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Simon Mordue, chief foreign policy adviser to the president of the European Council, and Michael Clauss, permanent representative of the Federal Republic of Germany to the European Union.