At the meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Brussels today, 16 March, Foreign Minister Margus
Tsahkna stressed that Russia must not be allowed to benefit from rising global oil prices caused by hostilities in the Middle East. Therefore, sanctions pressure must continue, the import of Russian energy resources into the EU must be restricted, and support for Ukraine must continue.
“If energy prices remain high, Russia could receive an estimated additional €2.9–4.3 billion in tax revenue by the end of March. This is money that Russia will use to continue its aggression and to prepare for a long-term confrontation with the West,” Tsahkna said. “For this reason, it is extremely important to limit the purchase of Russian energy resources and to continue strengthening sanctions pressure so that Russia’s state budget does not swell as a result of developments in the Middle East.”
In light of this, Tsahkna said that Hungary’s foreign minister continues to act irresponsibly by blocking the allocation of a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine and the adoption of the 20th sanctions package because of the halt in supplies through the Druzhba pipeline.
“In the interests of European security, member states must free themselves from dependence on Russian energy and actively diversify supply chains, rather than seeking ways to continue importing Russian energy,” Tsahkna said.
According to the foreign minister, it must also be remembered that Russia and Iran are on the same side in the hostilities taking place in the Middle East.
“We have seen reports of military cooperation between Iran and Russia, and of Russia assisting the regime in Tehran in achieving its objectives, whether through the exchange of information on targets or tactics in drone warfare. This clearly indicates whose side Russia is on,” Tsahkna said. He added that at the same time Ukraine has offered its assistance both to the United States and to the Gulf countries, including in countering drones.
“In light of this, it is clear that support for Ukraine must continue and pressure on Russia must increase. The fight against the Iranian regime must not end up benefiting Iran’s key ally, Russia,” the foreign minister said.
Speaking about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Tsahkna said that Estonia is ready to discuss the matter with the United States.
“We are always ready to hold discussions with the United States, including now in connection with the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. At this stage, however, this primarily means the need to understand the objectives and plans of the United States in the ongoing conflict,” Tsahkna said.
At the meeting in Brussels, Foreign Minister Tsahkna also emphasised the need to move forward with establishing a special tribunal and with restricting the entry of Russian fighters into Europe.
Today in Brussels, EU foreign ministers also met India’s Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, with whom they discussed developments in the Middle East as well as the continued strengthening of economic relations between Europe and India.
As part of the meeting of EU foreign ministers, Foreign Minister Tsahkna and the Netherlands’ foreign minister, Tom Berendsen, also signed an agreement between the two countries on the exchange and mutual protection of classified information.
Foreign Minister’s doorstep interview ahead of the meeting.
Photos from the foreign ministers’ meeting.
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