Mihkelson: Ukrainian army is Europe's best representative in negotiations

Diplomatic pressure as a tool for escalation

Marko Mihkelson, head of the Estonian parliament's foreign affairs committee, expressed the conviction that the current diplomatic process taking place in Abu Dhabi is nothing but a Russian special operation. According to him, the goal of these measures is to raise the stakes in the war and attempt to destroy the existing security system in Europe.

The politician emphasised that the only realistic outcome of these meetings could be an exchange of prisoners of war. Mihkelson believes that calling these negotiations peace talks is a mistake, as Moscow is not interested in ending the war. On the contrary, Russia is using the diplomatic channel to achieve its own strategic goals.

Criticism of the initiative following Trump's election

Commenting on the chronology of events, Mihkelson noted that Russia launched this "diplomatic special operation" immediately after Donald Trump took office as US president and promised to end the war within 24 hours.

«Я вважаю, що це суто російська дипломатична спецоперація. Росія розпочала її одразу після того, як Дональд Трамп став президентом США й пообіцяв закінчити війну за 24 години. Скоро мине вже 24 місяці, а Росія весь час підвищує ставки» (I believe this is purely a Russian diplomatic special operation. Russia launched it immediately after Donald Trump became US president and promised to end the war in 24 hours. It will soon be 24 months, and Russia keeps raising the stakes), the Estonian politician stated.

Warning against concessions to Moscow

Mihkelson warned European leaders against making concessions to Russia on security issues in exchange for promises of stable peace. He stressed that the best possible outcome of the current round of negotiations is the return of some Ukrainian prisoners of war to their homeland.

Focus on practical aid and defence

According to Mihkelson, European countries should focus not on internal disputes over who will represent their interests in negotiations with Moscow, but on providing concrete practical support to Kyiv.

«Найкращий представник Європи, найкращий переговірник - це українська армія» (Europe's best representative, the best negotiator, is the Ukrainian army), he emphasised.

The politician called on partners to ensure Ukraine has everything necessary to survive the difficult winter period, strengthen air defence, and continue resistance. He also drew attention to the critical need to cover the budget deficit that arose due to high military spending.

Increasing pressure and using frozen assets

Mihkelson advocated for increasing pressure on Russia and using frozen Russian assets. In his view, it is support for Ukraine and the willingness to stand up to aggression that can strengthen Europe's position.