---
title: "Russia has weakened, but goals remain unchanged: Estonian PM calls for increased pressure on Moscow"
description: "Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that Russia has weakened but has not abandoned plans to seize Ukraine. He called on allies to increase military support for Kyiv and accelerate the opening of negotiation clusters for the country's EU accession. Estonia has already increased military aid to 0.35% of GDP and is ready to do even more. 🇪🇪🇺🇦"
date: 2026-07-04T03:34:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/estonian-pm-russia-has-weakened-but-goals-remain-unchanged
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Russia has weakened, but goals remain unchanged: Estonian PM calls for increased pressure on Moscow

![Estonian Prime Minister Jüri Ratas in formal suit and glasses, against a luxurious interior backdrop symbolizing political gravity](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/04/premyer-estonii-rossiya-oslabla-no-tseli-ne-izmenilis/premyer-estonii-rossiya-oslabla-no-tseli-ne-izmenilis-1.webp)

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal made a significant statement regarding the current state of the Russian threat and Western strategy. In his view, although Russia has noticeably weakened compared to previous years, its strategic goals regarding Ukraine remain the same. Against this backdrop, the leader of the Baltic republic called on allies not to ease pressure on Moscow, but rather to increase military support for Kyiv.

### The strategy works: why the course cannot be changed

Michal emphasized that Russia's current position is a direct consequence of the actions of Western countries and support for Ukraine. He is convinced that the strategy chosen by allies is yielding tangible results, and changing it now would be a mistake.

"Russia today is weaker than it was many years ago. And this is no coincidence. It is the result of our actions. Our strategy is working. So let us continue to exert pressure on Russia, not on Ukraine," the Prime Minister stated.

The head of the Estonian government drew attention to the nature of recent Russian attacks. Mass strikes on civilian objects, he said, serve as proof that the Kremlin has not abandoned its ambitions.

"Recent large-scale Russian attacks against the civilian population show that its goals have not changed. It still wants to seize all of Ukraine and divide Europe. Our response should not change either. This is why Ukraine needs more military support, not less," Michal noted.

### From words to deeds: increasing military contributions

The issue of financial and military aid remains key. Michal reminded that although the European Union has already allocated additional resources, decisions at the Brussels level are not enough. Partner countries must provide assistance to Ukraine more actively and directly.

Estonia serves as an example in this matter. The country has committed to providing annual military aid of at least 0.25% of GDP. At the same time, the Prime Minister emphasized that Tallinn is capable of doing even more: last year, this figure already reached 0.35% of the country's GDP.

### European integration as a guarantee of peace

Kristen Michal also addressed the issue of Ukraine's long-term prospects. He stated that a sustainable and just peace in the region is impossible without a clear European perspective for Kyiv. The Prime Minister urged the European Union to immediately open all negotiation clusters for Ukraine's accession to the EU.

"This is not a service to Ukraine; it serves the strategic and economic interests of the European Union itself. This is how we protect peace in Europe," he argued, noting that Kyiv has long been ready for the next stage of integration.

### New rules for military service in Estonia

Alongside diplomatic activity, the Estonian authorities are taking steps to strengthen their own defense capabilities. Earlier, the government initiated legislative changes that will allow citizens of NATO member states to officially serve in the country's Defence Forces. The relevant draft law has already been submitted to parliament for consideration, opening new opportunities for strengthening the military bloc.