Top Estonian diplomat says peace at any cost is a disaster for all

The only path to finding peace in the Russo-Ukrainian war is for Russian troops to withdraw from Ukraine and having Ukraine restore its borders. All calls to end the war must be directed solely at Moscow, writes Estonian Foreign Affairs Minister Margus Tsahkna in an opinion piece for the English-language Estonian news outlet ERR.

The growing trend of discussions about making concessions to Russia is dangerous, signaling that the West’s confidence is wavering, Tsahkna argues. 

“Our hesitation or even the slightest hint of concessions only encourages Russia to continue its aggressive course,” he writes.

Tsahkna draws a parallel to the 1938 Munich Agreement, which entailed concessions to Nazi Germany and only delayed the outbreak of World War II. 

“Peace can be either just and lasting, or unjust and deceptive, paving the way for further bloodshed,” he warns.

According to Tsahkna, the world is currently facing a moment similar to that of 1938. 

“But now, we still have the opportunity to avoid the mistakes of that time,” he adds.

There is no indication that Russian leader Vladimir Putin has abandoned his imperialist ambitions or genuinely seeks peace, Tsahkna emphasizes. Therefore, any hint of concessions or territorial compromises would be extremely dangerous.

“Any concession to Putin would allow Russia to regroup, recover, and continue the bloodshed to achieve its goals,” he asserts.

A just and lasting peace is only possible if the aggressor withdraws to its borders, is held accountable for its crimes, and compensates for the damage caused by the war, Tsahkna concludes.

Read the full opinion piece via the link.