Russia’s threats to bring proceedings before the International Court of Justice over alleged violations of the rights of Russian-speaking populations are nothing new. They represent yet another step in Russia’s long-standing pattern of behaviour, which includes systematic disinformation and political pressure directed against the Baltic States. Moscow’s rhetoric is characterised by hostility, unfounded accusations and distorted narratives. Russia has employed this same pattern ever since Estonia restored its independence in 1991.
The purpose of such false claims is to divert attention away from Russia’s own grave violations of international law, including its ongoing attacks against Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure. This is a deliberate attempt to obscure the real consequences of its war of aggression and shift the focus elsewhere.
Estonia’s international credibility is well established. Our country consistently ranks among the world’s leading nations in the rule of law, democracy, press freedom, education, digital governance and low corruption. Estonia is a trusted member of the EU and NATO that fulfils its obligations, and its contribution to international security is clearly visible.
We also recall that the Russian Federation was expelled from the Council of Europe in 2022 – an organisation centred on the protection of democracy, the rule of law and human rights. This step confirmed that aggression and serious violations of international law are incompatible with Europe’s shared values.
Russia’s attempts to portray the Baltic States as unreliable form part of a broader strategy aimed at undermining support for Ukraine, damaging democratic institutions and sowing uncertainty among Allies. This constitutes a deliberate misuse of international legal mechanisms for political and propagandistic purposes.
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania consider Russia’s accusations to be based on fabrications, distorted narratives and a coordinated disinformation campaign against Western countries, in this case targeting the Baltic States. Other European Union member states are not immune from similar attacks.
Additional information
Communication Department
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