Estonia’s president says words alone cannot stop the war, pointing to a broader international strategy that could make Moscow reconsider its next move.
President of Estonia Alar Karis called on the international community to increase economic, diplomatic, and political pressure on Russia in order to raise the cost of its aggression against Ukraine and force Moscow to begin negotiations. He made the statement during the general debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
As reported by the online media outlet Ukrinform.
Condemnation alone is not enough. We must work together to force Russia to make peace in Ukraine and bring it to the negotiating table by raising the cost of its aggression. To achieve this, we can and must use the economic, diplomatic, and political tools available to us.
– Alar Karis
The Estonian president recalled that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine began in 2014 with the illegal annexation of Crimea and the occupation of parts of eastern Ukraine. According to him, Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has been waging an aggressive war in Europe for more than 12 years, violating the principles of the UN Charter, including those concerning the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, as well as the prohibition on the use of force.
Karis noted that the consequences of the war extend far beyond Ukraine and Europe. Russian attacks on Ukrainian Black Sea ports, merchant vessels, railway infrastructure, and alternative export routes pose a threat to global food security.
Estonia Supports Holding Russia Accountable and Rebuilding Ukraine
At the same time, Karis said, the international community must support mechanisms for documenting war crimes, bringing those responsible to justice, and assisting people affected by the war.
Estonia has completed all the necessary domestic procedures and is playing a leading role in discussions in Strasbourg to ensure that the Special Tribunal is established as soon as possible.
– Alar Karis
Together with its partners, Estonia supports Ukraine’s cybersecurity and resilience through the Tallinn Mechanism and the IT Coalition. In addition, in cooperation with the Nordic and Baltic countries, Estonia will host the Ukraine Recovery Conference in 2027.
The conference is expected to facilitate the practical implementation of long-term international support for Ukraine and its post-war reconstruction.