Estonian Minister Defends Risks of Ukrainian Drone Operations

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has said that stray Ukrainian drones entering NATO airspace are an acceptable price to pay if they help destroy Russian military bases and oil refineries, according to European Pravda, citing an interview with the Financial Times.

Allied fighter jets have intercepted such drones twice over the Baltic states – once over Estonia and once over Latvia. Tsahkna acknowledged that the incidents are not desirable but said Estonia continues to support Ukraine's long-range strikes because they weaken Russia's military and economic capabilities.

He dismissed Kremlin claims that the Baltic states are allowing Ukraine to use their airspace as "nonsense" and a sign of Russia's growing frustration. According to Tsahkna, members of Putin's inner circle are becoming less optimistic, partly because of the economic damage caused by Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russian territory.

He added that the Kremlin is particularly concerned about threats to energy exports, noting that up to 60% of Russian oil exports pass through the Gulf of Finland.

Despite this pressure, Tsahkna cautioned that it is too early to expect Putin to enter serious negotiations. Instead, he said, the Russian president is more likely to continue making strategic mistakes.

(max)