The events in Ukraine over the weekend show that there is no peace process. Instead, there is a war process. It is being continued by Putin, who initiated it. Vseviov said that Estonia has always believed that peace can be achieved by pressuring the aggressor and helping the victim.
As long as Putin does not understand that time is no longer on his side, there is no point in hoping for negotiations. They will not bring a strategic breakthrough. Vseviov said that we saw moving images of Ukrainian prisoners of war returning to their families. We also saw images that reminded us of the World War II era and the bombing of London.
The Nazis bombed London to destroy the hope of the British people. These attacks failed. The current attacks on civilian objects in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities are also aimed at destroying the hope of Ukrainians. Vseviov believes that these attacks will fail because Russia underestimates the resilience of Ukrainians.
Vseviov emphasized that the Western world must act. Additional sanctions on Russia are necessary. The President of the United States said that he believes Putin has gone mad. Vseviov did not quote exactly but stressed that we value actions, not words. Will sanctions be imposed, or will peace talks remain?
Estonia supports additional sanctions on Russia and aid to Ukraine. This includes material resources and maintaining the hope of Ukrainians. Estonia believes that Ukraine's chosen path towards Europe is difficult but possible. Ukrainians are moving closer to their goal – membership in the European Union and NATO.
Vseviov hopes that Estonia's actions will encourage other countries. The imposition of sanctions should be faster. Europe has approved the 17th sanctions package and is preparing the 18th. Estonia is among those impatient ones who want sanctions to be implemented as quickly as possible.