Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna believes that there are clear signs of success in efforts to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin toward peace negotiations. Speaking to “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland,” Tsahkna noted that doubts about the war are growing, even among the oligarchs. He stated that tensions are escalating in Putin’s inner circle, observing that “many who spoke of victory just a year ago no longer believe in it.”
The Foreign Minister commented that, for the first time, they are clearly seeing their strategy work. Tsahkna pointed to the effect of sanctions, the pressure placed on the Russian economy, and the extensive strikes against Russian oil refineries and infrastructure deep within the country by Ukrainian forces. “Now, every Russian feels that this war is not happening somewhere far away, but has reached their own country,” he asserted.
Tsahkna suggested that Putin might alter his goals and seriously engage in negotiations, provided he acts rationally. However, he added a stark caveat, mentioning that “it is equally possible that one day he might jump out of the window along with his family. Such things do happen in Russia.”
