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Estonia PM Rejects Pentagon Request to Tone Down Putin Criticism

By Drooid · Oct 31, 2026 · How we work

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Estonia Prime Minister Kristen Michal said Estonia will not soften criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Michal rejected a Pentagon request that Baltic allies tone down Russia rhetoric, noting no United States official asked him.
He called Putin a dictator who kills women and children and will continue until forced to change.
Michal said Estonia spends nearly 7% of GDP on defense, supporting NATO’s eastern flank.

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Estonia Prime Minister Kristen Michal said Estonia will not soften criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Michal rejected a Pentagon request that Baltic allies tone down Russia rhetoric, noting no United States official asked him.
He called Putin a dictator who kills women and children and will continue until forced to change.
Michal said Estonia spends nearly 7% of GDP on defense, supporting NATO’s eastern flank.