Estonian Prime Minister criticizes President's statement on Ukraine's concessions for peace

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Mihal criticized the statements of the country's president Alara Karisa that Ukraine could temporarily cede part of its territory to Russia for the sake of peace. His words are quoted by the media ERR.

Michal argues that Karis's statements that the European Union could appoint a special representative for negotiations and that Ukraine could cede some territory to Russia for the sake of peace contradict Estonia's fundamental values.

He emphasized that support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia has always been and remains Tallinn's foreign policy line. Michal also rejected a dialog with the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

"I do not consider it appropriate to hold separate talks with Putin, invite him to the negotiating table, and legitimize him. The only thing is to put pressure on Russia: through the shadow fleet, through assets, through visa restrictions for fighters, and other measures," the Estonian prime minister said.

At the same time, he believes that it is a mistake to say that the European Union is not represented or is not making efforts to achieve peace.

As for the idea of achieving peace through concessions of territory, Michal said that the goal of Russia and Putin is not to seize a separate piece of Ukraine.

"He doesn't want the territory by itself; he wants to deprive Ukraine of its sovereignty. When the allies who are supposed to ensure Ukraine's independence and reliable support say, Give us a piece. But what is this piece? Is Donbas enough, or do we need to give up Kyiv as well? Will this be enough?" asked the head of the Estonian government.

He saw Karis's statements as a contradiction to Estonia's foreign policy.

"These statements were certainly unfortunate. I have an excellent relationship with the president; it is well known, so I am very sorry that I have to say something like that at all," he concluded.

Karis in an interview with the American channel NBC News said that Estonia is against territorial concessions, but ultimately this issue is up to Ukraine.

"Ukrainians are dying not only in the fighting, but also in Kyiv and in some other places, civilians and children. Therefore, at some point we need to find a balance: either temporarily give up some land and stop this war," he said.

• On January 29, 2026, it was reported that Estonia takes the initiative ban entry to the Schengen Area for Russian military personnel who participated in the war against Ukraine.
• Before that, the country introduced a ban on for 261 Russian military personnel who participated in the war.