Estonia Calls for Full Trade Embargo Against Russia in EU

During a meeting of the Estonian government, members expressed their support for the proposals made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the EU's 12th package of sanctions against Russia, including a suggestion to impose a complete trade embargo.

This information was relayed by the ministry's press service.

At the beginning of September, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas proposed the introduction of a unified trade embargo against Russia, with the participation of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland.

During the government meeting, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that in a situation where Russia continues its unlawful aggressive war against Ukraine and challenges the entire world order based on international law, it is necessary to continue strengthening sanctions against Russia, control their implementation, and make it more challenging for sanctions to be evaded.

"Based on these three goals, the Estonian government approved Estonia's position on the EU's 12th package of sanctions, for which we will immediately seek support among EU member states and like-minded partners," Tsahkna remarked.

"Estonia demands that the EU's package of sanctions includes a full trade embargo against Russia," the minister added.

He further explained that in a situation where Russia's aggression aims to dismantle the current security architecture of Europe and, thus, poses an existential threat to Estonia and the entire European Union, any trade with Russia becomes inappropriate. A significant portion of every euro that remains in the Russian economy is used by the Putin regime, regardless of the industry or sector in which the money was earned.

"In case there is insufficient support for a complete trade embargo at the EU level, we have also approved alternative proposals to strengthen sanctions," Tsahkna stated.

These measures would involve banning the transit of goods subject to sanctions, more resolute reductions in Russia's income from exporting energy resources than before, and confirming that the European Union will freeze Russian assets until the losses caused by the war are compensated.

Tsahkna emphasized that Estonia has detailed proposals ready in case the trade embargo is not approved. All of these proposals are aimed at intensifying sanctions, enhancing their effectiveness, and making it more difficult to evade them.