Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal maintains that both the European Union and NATO represent the future for Ukraine. Speaking to “taz”, he stated, “Where else should Ukraine belong? Ukraine wants to join the European Union, and the EU wishes to expand.” He added that joining would bring “more markets, more people, more opportunities,” noting that regarding military capacity, “Ukraine has the most capable army in all of Europe.”
Michal made these comments just before the NATO summit in Ankara. Separately, he traveled with the heads of state and government from Latvia and Lithuania to Berlin last Friday to meet with Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Furthermore, Michal called upon NATO member states to increase their defense expenditures. He pointed out that countries like Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland already exceed 5 percent of GDP spending on defense, but noted, “There are still countries that do not.” According to the Estonian Prime Minister, it is necessary to signal to Ukraine by continuing support that efforts to push back against Russia will continue. It was previously known that European NATO nations and Canada plan to provide billions in additional military aid to Ukraine.
Regarding the threat level posed by Russia, Michal stressed that the danger extends beyond the Baltic states. “It is about whether Russia will decide to attack NATO and the EU. So, we must make that impossible,” he warned. He emphasized the need for preparation, stating, “That is why we are investing in new capabilities, for example, in drone warfare and medium-range missiles.” However, while acknowledging these preparations, his threat analysis concluded that there is currently no acute military danger against the EU or NATO. Nevertheless, Michal stated that Russia’s and Putin’s methods have not changed. “For him, the collapse of the Soviet Union was a personal insult. He wants to reinstate it, and that is his mission. He will try to take everything back.”
