Saks says Europe lacks a united approach to Russia

Europe has no common plan for engaging with Russia, making it harder to end the fighting in Ukraine, security expert Rainer Saks told ERR’s “First Studio” programme. European reactions were divided after the Finnish president and Norwegian prime minister called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday.

Some countries condemned the call, while others welcomed it. Saks said it was logical that Estonia had not been asked for input, as Ukraine had approached Finland and Norway directly. Finland’s president had stressed that the two leaders spoke on behalf of their own countries, not for anyone else, Saks said.

Several countries have questioned whether the call would be useful, saying it could weaken unity between the Baltic and Nordic countries. Saks said the key point was whether Ukraine was satisfied with the call and whether it helped move the peace process in a direction favourable to Ukraine.

“It is somewhat regrettable that there is no unified position on how to engage with Russia,” Saks said. He added that Europe was not yet ready to engage with Putin because countries had not held common discussions or drawn up a clear plan.

Saks said President Madis had not known about the call in advance. Diplomats informed the presidential office in Kadriorg after the conversation. Saks said Estonia should support steps that bring peace closer and that the government should ensure people in Estonia share the same information and position.

He said the issue was not whether talking to Putin made sense, but how to do so and what the goal was. Saks also said the “coalition of the willing” supporting Ukraine had the first moral responsibility and the right to develop a shared approach.

Saks said Finland’s and Norway’s foreign ministries had briefed diplomats from Estonia and other important partner countries about the call.