Mihkelson: Pressure on Russia must be increased to end the war
Chairman of the Riigikogu Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson met with members of the US House of Representatives today. He said that in order to end Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, the West must increase its support to Ukraine and put increasing pressure on Russia.
At the meetings with the long-time Co-chair of the House of Representatives Baltic Caucus and member of the House Committee on Armed Services Don Bacon, as well as member of the House Committee on Appropriations Ed Case, Mihkelson said that the outcome of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression determines not only the future of Ukraine but the whole current world order.
Mihkelson warned that it was not possible to end Russia’s war of aggression by simply sitting down at the negotiations table. “Russia is not ready to accept any agreement that would bring us closer to a fair and lasting peace. We are at a stage where Russia only recognises power.” He added that the West had so far not done enough to pressurise Russia into ending the war.
The only solution that Mihkelson can see is to remain united, support Ukraine, and turn on the pressure on Russia, both by enhancing sanctions as well as increasingly isolating Russia on the international stage. “The next planned European sanctions package, which includes a total ban on marine services to vessels transporting Russian oil, would have a huge impact on Russia,” he said.
Mihkelson also puts great emphasis on the message sent by NATO at the next summit in Ankara. “We want to see Western allies support Ukraine much more. Estonia’s defence expenditure in the foreseeable future exceeds five percent of the GDP and every year we are allocating at least 0.25 % of our GDP to give military support to Ukraine. If all the allies did the same, Ukraine would be in a much better position,” he said.
Mihkelson also emphasised the importance of continued US presence in Europe. Other topics at the meetings included defence procurements, situation in the Middle East as well as the Indian and Pacific Ocean regions, Chinese influence, and developments in Russia.
During its two-day visit to Estonia, the delegation of the House of Representatives also met with the Estonian President, Minister of Defence, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of the Estonian Navy Command.
Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
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