Estonian Prime Minister Michal: Russia is losing the war, Putin's image damaged

Estonian Prime Minister Kirsten Michal argued that the European Union's sanctions against Russia are effective, weakening Moscow economically and militarily, and stated that Vladimir Putin is losing the war. Michal expressed that Russia's recent difficulties even in internal security issues and the drone attacks on the capital Moscow show the limits of the Kremlin's power. The Estonian leader emphasized that the unity of the West and the continuity of support provided to Ukraine are of vital importance for Europe's security architecture.

Michal stated that the Russian economy is under increasing pressure due to sanctions and rising expenditures, which will seriously limit the Kremlin's capacity to sustain the war in the long run, and drew attention to the fact that the situation could create fractures in Russia's domestic politics. Noting that the drones seen in Moscow's skies have shaken the Russian people's belief in the war and that Putin's strong leader image is showing cracks, because the war is felt not only across the border but also in its heart. She recorded that Ukraine's military resistance and technological capabilities have been successful in overcoming Russia's defense systems, which validates the strategic assessments of countries like Estonia towards Russia.

Regarding Ukraine's accession process to the European Union, Michal stated that the Kyiv administration is sincere about reform and compliance issues, the process is progressing positively, and although this path is full of legal and bureaucratic obstacles, political will clears the way. She argued that as Estonia, they fully support Ukraine's joining the European family and that this is not just a regional but a geopolitical necessity, because Ukraine's victory is a condition for the preservation of Europe's values. She underlined that for Europe's own security, Ukraine's territorial integrity must be ensured, and for this, necessary military and financial aid must be provided completely.

She stated that the 'powerful' image Russian President Putin tries to create both inside and outside has been seriously damaged by factors such as the unwanted course in Ukraine and rising economic inflation, and that Russian society has begun to feel the cost of the war. Michal argued that the process of European countries摆脱 their dependence on Gas has rendered Russia's energy weapon ineffective, thus the Kremlin's attempts to divide Europe have failed, and energy security is now in the hands of the West. As one of the countries taking the toughest stance against Russian aggression in the region, she emphasized that necessary steps are being taken to strengthen NATO's eastern wing and that they predicted the disaster scenario would come true despite Western politicians who constantly use appeasing language despite allies' warnings, and they have now proven themselves right.

She stated that a future security order can be established with Russia's defeat and withdrawal from territories, because even if it withdraws, permanent peace with the current regime in Russia does not seem possible, and therefore Europe needs to be cautious against Russia in its long-term defense plans. She emphasized the importance of operating legal mechanisms for the establishment of international law and territorial integrity on solid foundations after the end of the war. Michal added that Estonia's stance will not change, all kinds of support will continue until Ukraine's victory, and that Europe acting in unity and togetherness in this process is a critical exam for global balances and they are striving to succeed in this exam.