Estonian foreign minister explains why Putin wants to involve Europe in talks

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna believes Russian leader Vladimir Putin sees Europe's participation in talks on ending Russia's war against Ukraine as beneficial for himself.

Source: European Pravda, citing ERR, an Estonian public broadcaster

Details: According to Tsahkna, the United States is no longer playing a leading role in the negotiations.

"Essentially, they [negotiations] are over in their previous form. Everyone now understands that [Russian leader Vladimir] Putin's desire is to draw Europe into the negotiations," he said.

Tsahkna added that the talks, which lasted for more than a year, had in reality been little more than conversations that allowed Putin to buy time. Now, he said, Russia is actively trying to involve Europe in the negotiations because it once again needs more time.

"The whole idea is to draw Europe into the role of mediator. We can see that European sanctions have had an effect. I like how Ukrainians call them long-range and deep sanctions, meaning that the strikes are really working. Now Putin needs to buy time," the Estonian minister said.

In his view, if Europe were to assume the role of mediator, discussion of the next sanctions package currently being prepared would likely stop.

"There is one very painful thing there that Putin fears: a complete ban on maritime services throughout the European Union and a whole series of other sanctions," he added.

Tsahkna argued that Europe should maintain a strategic pause, increase pressure on Russia and "at some point bring Putin seriously to the negotiating table, where today he still does not want to come voluntarily".

"The role of mediator means taking a neutral position to begin seeking a compromise between Ukraine and Russia. That is absolutely not our goal. Our goal is to define and someday, if negotiations do take place, to stand up for what Europe's future security architecture will look like," Tsahkna concluded.

Background:

• EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss possible candidates for the role of negotiator with Russia during an informal meeting in Cyprus on 27–28 May.
• Finnish President Alexander Stubb has already expressed readiness to represent Europeans in potential peace talks with Russia.

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