Kaljulaid: Major powers' interests may not align with Estonia's

Raimond Kaljulaid warns that the initiative by European major powers, the so-called E3 group (the UK, France, and Germany), to open political dialogue with Russia should make Estonia cautious. Although Finland and Ukraine also support the initiative, Kaljulaid emphasises that major powers' interests may not align with those of smaller European states.

E3 dialogue raises questions

Raimond Kaljulaid believes that the so-called Eurotroka-the UK, France, and Germany-initiative to open political dialogue with Russia should raise caution in Estonia. Although Finland and Ukraine also support the initiative, this does not mean that the interests of smaller European states are automatically protected in this process.

In Kaljulaid's view, the geopolitical priorities and willingness to compromise of Europe's major powers may not align with the needs of countries bordering Russia. For smaller states, dialogue with Russia is not a question of the same cost and risk as it is for large countries with significant economic and military influence.

Ukrainian and Finnish support is not sufficient guarantee

The fact that Ukraine and Finland have also backed the initiative does not fully allay Kaljulaid's concerns. He says it is important that Estonia and other Baltic states carefully monitor the conditions under which such dialogue becomes possible and what form it takes, as well as what concessions are made in the process.

Kaljulaid emphasises that when shaping Europe's security architecture, smaller states must also have a voice, not only those whose economic and political weight is greatest. The Baltic states' historical experiences with Russia are distinct, and this must be taken into account when forming Western policy towards Russia.