President Alar Karis visited Kazakhstan. There he stated that Estonia supports Ukraine. A Kazakh diplomat advised him not to speak about it. The diplomat soon left his position.
Later, Karis said he no longer wants to listen to foolish demands. He wrote on social media: "I'm an adult. I won't tolerate certain things anymore."
In December 2023, Karis told a Finnish newspaper that Hungary could be helped in terminating energy agreements with Russia. This drew criticism in Estonia. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Estonia shouldn't do this.
In February 2024, Karis visited Dubai. He said Europe needs a special representative to negotiate with Russia. Tsahkna sharply responded that this would weaken Ukraine.
During the same visit, Karis told NBC that Ukraine must decide whether to cede territories to Russia for peace. In Estonia, it was interpreted that he was advising Ukraine to give up land. Prime Minister Kristen Michal said this is not Estonia's position.
In April 2024, Karis told a newspaper that the Foreign Ministry lacks sufficient personnel and expertise. This drew criticism. Foreign Minister Tsahkna apologized to diplomats.
Before his Finland visit, Karis told Finnish media that Europe should prepare for the end of the war. He said peace talks should have started earlier.
Karis has played an active role. He says the president must sometimes apply brakes when foreign policy gets too heated.