Estonia Says NATO Drone Falls Are Price of Conflict
Estonia says Ukrainian drones falling in NATO states are a price of confronting Russia, while Shoigu warns Moscow has a right to self-defense.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said in an interview with the Financial Times that Ukrainian drones falling on the territory of NATO member states are a price that can be paid in the confrontation with Russia.
According to the Estonian minister, Tallinn is not pleased by such incidents, but it is not calling on Ukraine to stop. He argued that these strikes hit what he described as a vital artery for Vladimir Putin.
Tsahkna also criticized attempts by some European countries to rebuild ties with Russia. In his view, Moscow is trying to divide Europe and buy itself more time. For that reason, he believes there should be no mediators or neutral parties in the current situation, calling such an approach a dangerous path.
The Estonian foreign minister added that before European politicians decide who should represent the EU in talks with Moscow, they first need to agree on the message itself. Only after that, he said, should they discuss who will deliver it.
Earlier this spring, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu said Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia had become more frequent. According to him, these strikes are being carried out through the territory of Finland and the Baltic states.
Shoigu argued that this may point either to the ineffectiveness of Western air defense systems or to Western countries deliberately allowing their airspace to be used. He stressed that Moscow has the right to self-defense.