Estonian PM pushes back against Pentagon's call for restraint on Russia
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal (photo: Getty Images)
Flattering Russian President Vladimir Putin will only bring humiliation. The Baltic countries clearly understand the threat Russia poses, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said.
Rhetoric toward Russia
Reuters reported today that Pentagon officials had allegedly approached the Baltic countries, including Estonia, asking them to tone down their rhetoric toward Russia.
Prime Minister Michal said that this approach would not bring freedom. The Baltic countries have always understood that Russia poses a threat.
"At home, we hear politicians complaining about our modesty ahead of elections, while in the news we hear that our allies from the largest country are asking us to hold back—that's where we are now," Michal noted.
Estonia received no requests from Pentagon
However, the prime minister said he had not received such a request directly from the United States regarding rhetoric toward Russia.
He said he last met with US President Donald Trump in Ankara in the summer, and the issue did not come up.
"I will not hold back: Putin is a dictator who kills women and children. And he will continue to do so until he is forced to change course," Michal added.
NATO deters Russia
He noted that NATO had done a great deal to deter Russia in recent years.
"Putin is becoming less and less successful on the battlefield, his own cities and ports are burning, and this is forcing him to behave like a terrorist," Michal said. At the same time, he acknowledged that the coming winter would be difficult for Ukraine.
Michal also noted that Estonia contributes nearly 7% of NATO's funding and has a comprehensive national defense system. In this way, the country protects NATO's eastern flank and helps ensure the security of the rest of the world.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Estonia's Ministry of Defense said the Reuters report relied on anonymous sources and that the ministry would not comment.
As reported, Pentagon officials approached several NATO countries in recent weeks, including the Baltic states, asking them to tone down their rhetoric about the threat posed by Russia, according to Reuters.
In addition, Putin said days ago that Russia was ready for war with Europe but did "not want" a conflict. At the same time, Russia allegedly supports any steps toward restoring relations with European countries.
