At a Kyiv summit, Estonia’s leader offered reassurance about NATO while warning that Moscow could shift its pressure into Europe’s grey zone.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated during the “Ukraine–Nordic-Baltic Eight Countries” summit in Kyiv that Russia understands the consequences of a potential direct attack on NATO. According to him, the Alliance’s capabilities are sufficient to deter the aggressor, so there is currently no immediate threat to European countries.

I would say that right now, the military and security assessment is quite clear: NATO is working well. Russia’s assessment of NATO’s power and strength is at a level where they know they should not attack. This means that NATO and European countries can feel confident; there is no immediate threat… But the Russians are doing everything possible to make everyone worry about them rather than Ukraine.

– Kristen Michal

Russia May Step Up Hybrid Attacks in the EU

At the same time, Kristen Michal stressed the need to prepare for an escalation of Russia’s hybrid attacks within the European Union. In his assessment, Moscow will try to shift its partners’ attention to its own actions and weaken the focus on supporting Ukraine.

The Estonian prime minister believes that Russia’s “cognitive warfare” is weakening following strikes on the ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga, warehouses, and other facilities in Russia. He called on allies to increase investment in defense, develop Ukrainian technologies, and support Ukraine’s defense industry, particularly drone production.

Support for Ukraine and Sanctions Pressure

Kristen Michal also advocated continuing sanctions pressure on Russia, keeping its assets frozen, and strengthening efforts against the “shadow fleet.” He separately emphasized the importance of maintaining Ukraine’s momentum toward membership in the European Union and NATO.

Ukraine’s future lies in the European Union and NATO. And we must continue pushing in that direction.

– Kristen Michal

The Kyiv summit was attended by the leaders of Ukraine, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, and Norway. Sweden joined the meeting online.