Tsahkna calls for concrete NATO or EU backed guarantees, arguing Ukraine’s combat experience now matters for continental defence. The appeal seeks to shift European strategy.
Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsakhkna stressed that Europe needs security guarantees that Ukraine could provide, given its unprecedented military experience. He expressed this view in an interview with Slawa TV.
According to him, Europe should capitalize on this historic impulse and more actively support Ukraine’s integration into the European community.
“Actually, we need to bring Ukraine into Europe – it’s a historic moment. It should be brought into the EU and NATO. If we are talking about truly effective security guarantees, then it should be NATO membership or something similar. Because it’s not only about us providing security guarantees to Ukraine, but also that our region needs security guarantees from Ukraine, since Ukraine is currently the largest, most effective and most experienced military force in our region.”
– Foreign Minister of Estonia
Security Context and Ukraine’s Role
Tsakhkna also noted that these issues should be considered together – after all, the so-called “gray zones”, neutral countries or buffer territories – however you call them – are effectively a “green light” for continuing Vladimir Putin’s aggression against Europe.
It is also noted that the trilateral talks between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia, which had continued in January and February, were postponed in March for an indefinite period due to the escalation in the Middle East. At the same time, President Zelensky does not believe that the trilateral talks have reached a dead end.
Despite diplomatic efforts to end the war, Russia shows no willingness to back down from its demands regarding Donbas. ISW analysts note that Russian officials signal further goals and do not stop at minimal concessions.
Instead, Ukraine insists on strong security guarantees from the United States and European allies that could help protect the country from future Russian aggression.
“Peace must be just. We know that Putin needs not only the Donbas”
– Kallas
Estonia’s position underscores the need for a European-wide response to the security crisis: preserving regional stability requires the EU and the United States to take joint steps to support Ukraine and its potential integration into European and transatlantic security architecture. The most important remains the pursuit of real guarantees that can reduce the risks of future aggression and strengthen stability in the region.
Against the backdrop of these discussions, global powers may later revise their approaches to strategic engagement with Ukraine, as its future now depends not only on itself but also on the overall security situation in Europe. The bottom line is simple: for a strong and stable Europe, concrete and effective security guarantees are needed to facilitate cooperation between Ukraine, the United States, and European partners.