According to major media reports, Karis said European countries should prepare to establish diplomatic relations with Russia, as the war could end unexpectedly. He also urged the EU to appoint a special envoy for Russia to prepare for the post-war period. The president's spokesperson later clarified that Karis wants more diplomacy and Europe to be more prominent in negotiations. However, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it is not possible to engage in talks with Russia as long as its aggression continues. This policy rift within Estonia's leadership could affect the country's unified foreign policy and its credibility with allies.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa urged caution, saying communication with Russia should be in consultation with Ukraine and sanctions should remain. Her stance contrasts with Karis's more proactive approach, highlighting differing views among Baltic leaders on how to deal with Russia.
European countries should prepare to establish diplomatic relations with Russia, as the war in Ukraine could end unexpectedly.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, and has continued for over four years. Russia's initial goal of quickly subjugating Ukraine failed, and the conflict turned into a prolonged war of attrition. Significant events during the war include Russia's withdrawal from the Kyiv area, Ukrainian counteroffensives in Kharkiv and Kherson, and the explosion of the Crimean Bridge. These events demonstrated Ukraine's ability to respond to Russian aggression.
Peace talks have been discussed but no concrete results have been achieved so far. Russia has demanded territorial concessions from Ukraine, but Ukraine and its allies have rejected these demands.
The EU should appoint a special envoy for Russia to prepare for the post-war period.
In a separate development, Estonia and Japan launched a joint housing project for internally displaced persons in Brusyliv, Ukraine, according to research from five sources. Brusyliv's population grew by 40% due to displaced people since the full-scale invasion. Estonian Undersecretary Mariin Ratnik said the project gives Ukrainians confidence that they are not alone.
A march in Tallinn on February 22, 2026 called for the return of children deported by Russia, according to research from five sources. According to estonianworld.com, Volodymyr Boiechko of the Ukrainian World Congress described thousands of Ukrainian children remaining under occupation or unlawfully taken to Russia.
Thousands of Ukrainian children remain under occupation or were unlawfully taken to Russia.
French President Macron proposed a new concept of 'forward deterrence' on March 2, 2026, according to research from five sources. Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, and Poland are on board with Macron's proposal. Macron also announced plans to increase France's nuclear warhead count and adopt 'strategic ambiguity'. Russia has issued nuclear threats against the West almost monthly since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Finland proposed repealing legislation that outlaws transport of nuclear explosives into or through its territory, according to research from five sources. Finland joined NATO in April 2023 as a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned Finland's potential hosting of nuclear weapons, warning it increases Finland's vulnerability and that Russia would take appropriate measures if Finland deploys nuclear weapons. Finnish President Alexander Stubb called Putin's invasion one of the biggest strategic and tactical mistakes in recent military history.
Russia condemns Finland's potential hosting of nuclear weapons, warning it increases Finland's vulnerability.
Richard D. Hooker, Jr. of the Atlantic Council identified five likely Russian aggression scenarios: Svalbard, Åland islands, eastern Estonia, Gotland, and land bridge to Kaliningrad. The lowest risk option for Russia is occupying Norway's Svalbard archipelago.
Russia would take appropriate measures if Finland deploys nuclear weapons.
Putin's invasion is 'one of the biggest strategic and tactical mistakes in recent military history'.
The EU should be involved in peace talks and a European envoy should be appointed.
Karis wants more diplomacy and Europe to be more prominent in negotiations.