Russia is threat to all of NATO. Alliance countries must increase defense budgets - Tsakhkna
Since Russia poses a threat to the entire North Atlantic Alliance, member states should increase defense spending and put pressure on it to cease fire in Ukraine.
According to Censor.NET, with reference to Ukrinform, this was stated in Brussels by the head of the Estonian Foreign Ministry, Margus Tahkna.
"I think everyone in Europe understands that everyone will pay for any armed aggression by Russia against NATO. And it is much cheaper to invest (in defense) right now than to suffer the consequences... Russia will remain a threat to NATO," the minister said, adding that the challenge is to convince the current US administration of this.
Tsakhkna said that the discussion of support for Ukraine on the first day of the meeting of NATO foreign ministers on April 3 went "well."
"Everyone realized that Putin is not about peace now. He's demanding more, and not just with regard to Ukraine. He is simply setting new conditions. It is quite clear that there must be some red lines in the schedule so that President Trump cannot wait any longer. That is why we have also called for tougher sanctions. In addition, we insist on exerting all possible pressure to finally cease fire and start talking about a sustainable and long-lasting peace," Tsakhkna said.
The minister acknowledged that for states bordering Russia, such as Estonia, protection from their neighbor is an existential issue. But he expressed hope that other countries on the continent are now realizing this. Tsahkna praised the decisions of Germany, Finland, Sweden, and many other countries to increase their defense spending and reminded that Estonia plans to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP next year.
"To be honest, I would have been more happy if we had this attitude ten years ago, but at least we have it now," Tsakhkna said.
He expressed hope that the Allies will reach an agreement to allocate at least 3.5% of GDP during the Hague Summit this summer. At the same time, the foreign minister also believes it is important to show NATO partners, including the United States, that not only member states but also the European Union is capable of acting to improve its own defense capabilities. He described the €800 billion package as a very positive step.
As a reminder, acting German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock said that NATO countries are on track to increase their defense spending to more than 3% of their economic output.
