Don't appease dictator: Estonian PM urges Europe not to negotiate with Putin
Photo: Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal (Getty Images)
Europe should not act as a mediator in negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Instead, it should increase economic pressure on Moscow and support Ukraine, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said in an interview with Politico.
According to him, opening a direct diplomatic channel with the Kremlin could weaken Europe's position.
Michal stressed that European countries should not simultaneously support Ukraine, increase sanctions pressure on Russia, and try to act as mediators between the parties.
"Europe should not be in a mediator’s position. You should not take the role of trying to please the dictator," the Estonian prime minister said.
He is convinced that the current strategy of economic pressure on Russia is working, and therefore Europe should continue to limit Moscow's ability to finance the war.
Michal said that, for the first time, Europe has a plan that is actually working by economically suffocating Russia through sanctions. He added that acting as a mediator would mean being willing to lower standards towards Russia, particularly when it came to imposing and enforcing sanctions.
He also noted that responsibility for the war lies solely with the Russian leadership.
"The problem (is) sitting in (the) Kremlin. Nowhere else," the Estonian prime minister stressed.
Commenting on the efforts by US President Donald Trump's administration to reach a peace agreement, Michal said that Europe appreciates Washington's diplomatic efforts. At the same time, he believes that the main pressure should be directed specifically at Russia.
The Estonian prime minister also highlighted the threats posed by Russia's hybrid warfare.
According to him, Moscow exploits the freedom of movement enjoyed by Russian citizens in Europe to carry out sabotage operations and other hostile activities.
"You should not have these kind of people running around Europe. So limit the visas," Michal said.
Europe in peace negotiations
We previously reported that European leaders were considering five politicians who could potentially represent Europe in negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the war in Ukraine.
The list of candidates includes:
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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni;
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Finnish President Alexander Stubb;
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Czech President Petr Pavel;
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Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen;
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Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
The US is considering Germany, France, and the United Kingdom as the most likely participants in negotiations on ending Russia's war against Ukraine. This refers to the so-called E3 format.
Meanwhile, Russia does not want the EU at the negotiating table on Ukraine.
At the same time, Europeans emphasize that negotiations to end the war are impossible without Ukraine and Europe.
