DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics

'Helping Ukraine defeat Russia is doable' - Estonia's prepared, not scared

Jul 10, 2025
Jonatan Vseviov, Estonia's Secretary General for Foreign Affairs, shares vital insights on European security amid the ongoing Ukraine crisis. Defense expert Christian Mölling highlights the urgency for Europe to bolster its military capabilities in light of American policy shifts. They discuss concerns about the Baltic states potentially being next targets for Russian aggression. The debate surrounding the use of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine's recovery showcases the complexities of international support and the need for a unified European response.
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INSIGHT

Putin’s Long-term War Goals

  • Putin wants all of Ukraine and a reshaped European security architecture buffering Russia's western border.
  • This war's outcome will shape fundamental international norms and future border security in Europe.
ADVICE

Europe Must Lead Defense Efforts

  • Europeans must demonstrate political will and capability independently before seeking more US support.
  • Spend more on defense and develop European guarantees for Ukraine to maintain American engagement.
INSIGHT

Estonia's Defense and Refugee Efforts

  • Estonia is meeting its defense spending target and hosting Ukrainian refugees, setting an example in supporting Ukraine.
  • Despite progress, Estonia urges faster action to avoid future regrets as Putin's forces weaken but still fight fiercely.
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