“Our objective remains unchanged: to make aggression so costly for Moscow that it is forced to stop,” said Tsahkna. “Preparations are under way in the European Union for the 21st sanctions package, and Estonia supports the swift adoption of an ambitious package.”
“I support the European Commission’s proposal to maintain the oil price cap at its current level until the next scheduled review. At the same time, the European Union’s strategic objective must remain a full ban on maritime services for Russian energy exports, which is the most effective way to reduce funding for the Kremlin’s war machine,” Tsahkna said.
According to Tsahkna, all loopholes that enable Russia’s military industry to obtain the materials it needs must continue to be closed. Estonia has therefore once again proposed banning exports of alumina from the European Union to Russia.
“Alumina is a key input in aluminium production, and aluminium is a strategically important material for Russia’s defence, aviation and military industries. We must do everything possible to reduce Russia’s ability to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine,” he said.
Tsahkna added that Russian fighters pose a serious threat to the internal security of European countries, as they are individuals with combat experience and anti-European views who represent a favourable recruitment pool for Russian intelligence services.
Tsahkna noted that Estonia has been working to secure an EU entry ban for such individuals and welcomed the European Commission’s proposal to include such a ban in the 21st sanctions package.
“This is a long-term security threat that will only grow once the war ends. In addition to an entry ban, we expect the European Commission to present further proposals as quickly as possible to address this threat,” Tsahkna said.
