Vseviov says Estonia should not soften its warnings about Russia

Jonatan Vseviov, who is leaving his post as secretary general of Estonia’s Foreign Ministry and entering politics with the Social Democratic Party, said he knew of no official request for Estonia to change its messages about the Russian threat, ERR reported.

“I am not aware of any such official requests,” Vseviov said. He added that it was no surprise that some people might dislike the content or style of Estonia’s message, but said any official proposal for the country to remain silent would be rejected.

“Estonia’s voice is our most important trump card, our most important weapon for participating in international politics,” he said. Estonia should use that voice wisely, he added, but should never consider giving it up.

Vseviov said he could not confirm whether an informal request had been made. Informal conversations and criticism of proposals that others dislike were routine, he said.

He described Estonia’s official positions on security as precise and prescient. After the major war began on February 24, 2022, a number of world leaders said they should have listened to Estonia and the other Baltic states sooner, he said.

Estonia should take into account and analyse what others say, Vseviov said, while thinking independently and considering not only Estonia but also Europe, the international relations system and its allies.

He cautioned against drawing far-reaching conclusions from a Reuters article, saying media reports often capture only a fragment of what takes place behind closed doors. He also declined to comment on whether a recent warming in US-Russia relations had changed Washington’s attitude towards Estonia and the Baltic states, saying such questions should be put to US officials.

Vseviov said Europe should stand confidently on its own feet and take responsibility for organising its security. He said relying on Washington to do things for Estonia was no longer a viable approach and could instead irritate the United States.