Baltic states oppose talks with Russia
Baltic states stand firm against negotiations with Moscow (photo: Getty Images)
Russia's war against Ukraine is fundamentally reshaping European security policy, turning the EU from a peace project into one that must now defend itself with military force, according to Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal and Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs.
New reality for European security
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal says defense cooperation was not previously a priority for the bloc, but the situation has now changed dramatically.
"Europe was a project of peace without arms. Now, it will be a project of peace – but with arms. That's a big difference because if Europe – the wealthiest region in the world – will have arms and the ability to respond to security threats inside and outside, Europe will become a lot stronger," Michal said.
In the Estonian leader's view, these changes go beyond military spending. A more militarily capable Europe would become a more reliable and predictable global actor.
Not time for peace talks with Russia
At the same time, Baltic leaders remain skeptical of calls from some Western European politicians to immediately begin negotiations with the Kremlin and freeze the front line.
Latvia's new prime minister, Andris Kulbergs, said he does not believe in peace agreements with Russia at this stage.
According to him, the priority now is not compromise but strengthening borders so that no "weak link" remains on Europe's eastern flank.
"We have to have a united approach – only then, there won't be any funny ideas. We first have to trust ourselves. We have to show force," Kulbergs said.
He also noted that Latvia has already increased defense spending to 5% of GDP, meeting and even exceeding NATO defense targets.
Attempts to revive diplomacy
Türkiye recently said it is ready to host a new round of talks between Ukraine and Russia. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the diplomatic process has stalled and that Ankara wants to revive dialogue as quickly as possible, based on international law.
At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that even within Russia, there is frustration over the lack of an end to the war, making real negotiations necessary. According to him, Ukraine has already submitted all the proposals needed to begin meaningful dialogue.
In addition, US President Donald Trump said in conversations with Zelenskyy that he is considering diplomatic efforts with Russia. Government sources report that the US leader believes that Ukraine's pressure on Russia through long-range strikes and active battlefield operations increases the likelihood of a diplomatic settlement.
