Estonia will keep its embassy operating in Kyiv despite Moscow’s threats. The move signals firm Western resolve and raises diplomatic tensions.
The Prime Minister of Estonia, Kristen Mihal, stated that the Estonian embassy in Ukraine will continue to work with partners from the European Union and the G7, despite threats from Russia. He emphasized that Estonia supports Ukraine and does not intend to retreat, and that the Kremlin’s goals and tactics have not changed.
According to Mihal, after years of attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilians, Moscow’s sudden concern for diplomatic security appears insincere. He noted: supporting Ukraine and pressing Russia is the only way to change Putin’s behavior.
“We support Ukraine. The Estonian Embassy will continue to work with our partners in the EU and the G7. We will not be forced to retreat. The latest threats from Russia only confirm that the Kremlin’s goals and tactics have not changed. After years of attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilians, Moscow’s sudden concern for diplomatic security appears insincere. We will continue to support Ukraine and pressure Russia. This is the only way to change Putin’s behavior.”
– Kristen Mihal
Statements from Russia are also included in this coverage: On May 4 the Ministry of Defense threatened a missile strike on central Kyiv, and the Russian Foreign Ministry on the evening of May 6 called on foreign embassies to ensure the precautionary evacuation of staff. European countries and the EU stated that they do not plan to evacuate diplomatic personnel from Kyiv. On May 7 the Russian Ministry of Defense announced a ceasefire from May 8 to May 10 in honor of Victory Day and urged Ukraine to follow suit, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 8 said that fighting would continue on the front and that he was not ready for a short-term ceasefire, although he had previously expressed support for a ceasefire.
The stance of Western partners remains unchanged: support for Ukraine and continued pressure on Russia with the aim of changing the Kremlin’s behavior.