According to the minister, the best option for Ukraine’s security is NATO membership, which President Volodymyr Zelensky is seeking. If the United States does not agree to Kyiv joining the military alliance, Europe will have to take steps to prevent further Russian aggression by deploying its troops after hostilities end.
“True security guarantees mean a just peace, and then we talk about NATO membership.” However, it will be impossible without the United States, and we are talking about any form of external presence,” explained M. Tsahkna.
Trump has repeatedly promised a quick end to the war in Ukraine, raising concerns about possible unscrupulous deals backed by threats to cut US military aid. Several of his allies have called on Europe to support Ukraine more.
The minister noted that D.Trump’s election victory intensified the allies’ discussions on support for Ukraine, taking into account its recent losses at the front, and also caused Moscow’s interest in negotiations.
M. Tsahkna assessed that it would be difficult for Europe to provide security guarantees to Ukraine without the support of the United States, given possible conflicts with Russian troops.
Estonia has always been an active supporter of Ukraine and, despite the concerns of some allies, has approved the supply of arms. However, Tallinn is rightly worried that if Russia wins, the Baltic countries will face the threat of new aggression from the Kremlin.
Some analysts believe that Europe could organize support for Ukraine through a coalition of states, starting with Poland and the United Kingdom. These countries are the main providers of military aid to Ukraine.
M. Tsahkna also emphasized the importance of the participation of France and Germany in this effort, since Germany is the second largest provider of military aid after the United States.
He believes that D. Trump will not withdraw from NATO, because it is not in the interests of the United States. However, Europeans must show a willingness to invest in defense, in particular to increase defense spending to at least 2.5 percent. GDP.
According to the minister, Europe does not have enough weapons stockpiles and should strengthen its defense industry.
“But what we have is money. We have a lot of money. I don’t believe in those governments that say they can’t ask more from their people, because we did it in Estonia,” pointed out M. Tsahkna, referring to the tax increase that Tallinn legalized specifically to finance higher defense costs.
According to him, countries can demand more from their citizens, as Estonia has already done. In conclusion, he noted that Ukraine is currently NATO’s first line of defense, and changes in the European security architecture may change it.
“We just can’t wait to see what the US decides.”
Source: www.15min.lt
