Fri May 02 22:10:00 UTC 2025: **Estonia Bolsters Defenses Amid Renewed Fears of Russian Aggression**
TALLINN, Estonia – Estonia’s foreign minister, Margus Tsahkna, has warned that Russia’s aggression extends beyond Ukraine, viewing the United States as its primary adversary and aiming to restore a Soviet-style empire. In an exclusive interview with Fox News, Tsahkna recalled a near-invasion nine years ago and highlighted Estonia’s proactive defense measures.
Despite believing Russia is currently weakened by its war in Ukraine, Estonia is investing over 5% of its GDP in defense – a goal previously advocated by President Trump – and has recently received six US-made HIMARS rocket systems. Tsahkna emphasized a 10:1 matching policy for US defense investments.
Estonia, along with other Baltic nations, has withdrawn from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines, citing Russia’s use of such weapons in Ukraine. The country has severed energy ties with Russia, now sourcing 80% of its natural gas from the US, contrasting with the EU’s comparatively lower reduction in Russian energy imports.
Tsahkna also addressed the recent spate of undersea cable damage in the Baltic Sea, suggesting Russian involvement, and downplayed Russia’s proposed ceasefire for Victory Day as insignificant. He expressed skepticism about a swift end to the conflict in Ukraine, asserting that while both the US and Ukraine desire peace, Putin does not. He dismissed the likelihood of Putin using nuclear weapons as politically suicidal. NATO’s increased naval presence in the region since January has coincided with a halt in cable attacks.
The interview highlights Estonia’s heightened state of alert and its commitment to strong self-defense in the face of perceived Russian threats.
First Piper 