BERLIN (Chatnewstv.com) — Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal asserted that only sustained military pressure will bring a just peace to Ukraine, saying that “You can only talk to Russia in the language of force,” after a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday in Berlin.
Michal, on an official visit to Germany, stressed the need for clear demands on Russia to prevent future aggression and called for rapid and adequate military assistance to Kyiv. The Estonian leader highlighted the importance of European solidarity in the current security environment.
“Europe’s unity and courage are particularly vital right now,” Michal said. “Russia’s frozen assets need to be quickly mobilised. It is also important to move forward with the enlargement of the EU. We will have to take decisions at the European Council in December.”
The prime minister said future security guarantees for Ukraine must be “credible and backed up by partners with actual forces on Ukrainian soil.” He said Estonia is prepared to contribute to this security framework with a company-sized unit, instructors and staff officers.
Michal praised Germany’s role as a European leader, especially in supporting Ukraine and strengthening regional security. “Our two countries are among the biggest supporters of Ukraine,” he said, citing Germany’s deployment of Patriot air-defense systems.
Estonia, which shares a border with Russia, remains one of the highest per-capita contributors of aid to Kyiv. “Estonia’s annual military support for Ukraine amounts to at least 0.25 percent of GDP, rising above 0.3 percent this year,” Michal said.
Beyond Ukraine, the Estonian head of government underlined Germany’s pivotal role in Baltic Sea regional security, including its status as a NATO framework nation in Lithuania and its participation in Baltic air security and NATO operations. He also asked for German support in European Union discussions aimed at strengthening the bloc’s eastern border defenses.
In talks with Merz and Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche, the leaders focused on economic cooperation. Germany is Estonia’s fourth-largest trading partner, with growth potential in digitalization, artificial intelligence, energy and green technologies.
Michal highlighted a major Estonian investment in the German economy. “I am delighted that not only is Germany investing in Estonia, but Estonia is investing in Germany,” he said, referring to a planned opening. “On Friday, I will be opening a factory near Leipzig established by the Estonian company Skeleton. This €220 million investment is our biggest to date.”
The prime minister ended his day by meeting with German investors, promoting Estonia’s globally recognized efficient tax environment, highly educated workforce and fully digitized public services.
