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Margus Tsahkna has warned that European countries should refrain from direct negotiations with Moscow, arguing that Russia is currently in a vulnerable position and that sanctions pressure should instead be intensified.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Lennart Meri Conference in Tallinn, Tsahkna said Russia has been increasing contacts with European states amid economic strain and limited progress on the battlefield.
He argued that the Kremlin’s main objective is to seek ways to ease pressure, meaning the West should respond by tightening restrictions rather than engaging in dialogue.
“Now is not the time for talks or negotiations. Now is the time to pressure Russia,” he said.
Tsahkna also criticized European leaders who advocate for a diplomatic initiative with Moscow while U.S.-led peace efforts have stalled, calling such thinking “dangerous.”
He added that sanctions and battlefield losses are increasingly exposing Russia’s vulnerabilities, pointing to economic difficulties, internal frustration, and Ukraine’s continued strikes on Russian infrastructure.
According to him, the overall European stance is shifting toward a harder line, with growing recognition that Russia remains in a fragile position.
