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Estonia urges EU sanctions, no talks with weakened Russia.

5/17/2026

Summary

Tsahkna Demands Sanctions

Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna told reporters in Tallinn on Saturday that Europe must not negotiate with Russia while Ukraine has the upper hand.
He said Moscow’s economy is failing, its military is struggling, and urged tighter sanctions instead of talks.
He noted over 70% of Europeans see the invasion as a threat and back sanctions on Moscow.
He said Russia’s scaled-back May 9 parade and economic hardship show Kremlin weakness.

Summary

Pentagon Cuts Troops

The Pentagon cancelled a deployment of 4,000 U.S. troops to Poland and withdrew 5,000 from Germany, cutting the presence in Europe to pre-February 2022 levels.
Latvia became the NATO member to bind to the U.S. President Donald Trump 5 percent GDP defense target, with Estonia and Lithuania on track.
Christopher Smith warned that after the Ukraine war ends Russia will likely shift troops toward NATO’s eastern flank, raising pressure on Baltic states.

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Tsahkna Demands Sanctions

Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna told reporters in Tallinn on Saturday that Europe must not negotiate with Russia while Ukraine has the upper hand.
He said Moscow’s economy is failing, its military is struggling, and urged tighter sanctions instead of talks.
He noted over 70% of Europeans see the invasion as a threat and back sanctions on Moscow.
He said Russia’s scaled-back May 9 parade and economic hardship show Kremlin weakness.

1 / 2