British News Agency

Tsahkna said that as the full-scale war launched by Russia against Ukraine approaches its fourth year, Moscow’s objectives have not changed. He noted that Russia’s goal is to seize Ukraine, divide the West, and push the United States away from Europe.

Speaking at the U.S. Helsinki Commission, Tsahkna emphasized that Ukraine continues to resist and that the Western alliance has not collapsed, saying: “Ukraine has not fallen, the West has not collapsed. Our unity is being tested, but we remain standing.”

Tsahkna stated that Estonia and many NATO allies are facing Russia’s increasingly intense “shadow war”. He noted that since 2003, Russia has violated Estonian airspace 83 times, with one of the most striking incidents occurring in September, when three armed MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian and NATO airspace.

The minister highlighted that Russia has increased its hybrid attacks across Europe, including airspace violations, cyberattacks, election interference, disinformation, electronic warfare, sabotage, and directing migrants toward border regions. These actions aim to divide Western societies, weaken politics, and undermine support for Ukraine, he said.

Tsahkna underlined that despite heavy losses, Russia has rebuilt and expanded its military. A result in Russia’s favor would mean increased military pressure on NATO’s eastern flank.

He noted that NATO is strengthening the security of its eastern flank through operations such as Air Policing, Eastern Sentry, and Baltic Sentry. Under U.S. leadership, allies are taking historic steps to increase defense spending. Estonia’s defense budget is expected to reach 5.4% of GDP next year.

Tsahkna added that the European Union is taking steps to boost defense industry capacity, joint production, and border security. “A stronger Europe means a stronger NATO; a stronger NATO means a stronger America,” he said.

He concluded by saying: “We will not allow Ukraine to fall, and we will not allow Russia to dictate Europe’s peace and security.”