Estonia urges to include full energy embargo in EU’s 8th sanctions package against russia

Estonia advocates the inclusion of a comprehensive energy embargo in the eighth package of EU sanctions against russia.

The national broadcaster ERR reports, citing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Urmas Reinsalu.

"We must raise the price of aggression high before winter sets in. Seven packages were not enough to put pressure on putin to end the war against Ukraine," Reinsalu said.

He then listed Estonia's proposals: a comprehensive embargo on energy; sanctions imposed on some new product groups and individuals; and the final disconnection of russian banks from the SWIFT system.

Estonia also proposes to ban the entry of russian citizens into the European Union.

"More than 10 million Russian citizens have the right to enter the European Union. Someone has to take the first step (to stop this – ed.), and I hope we can reach a pan-European agreement on wording," the minister said.

He also stated that russia was playing on the fatigue of Europe, trying to find out whose willpower was stronger: "We have to declare that it is a false hope. We are ready to help Ukraine and pressure russia to such an extent that the latter will be forced to retreat. It is important to reveal determination and firmness of character".

Speaking about the already imposed sanctions, Reinsalu noted that russia had problems with technology.

"We celebrate the Day of Restoration of Independence in Estonia today. 31 years ago, Soviet occupation ended, and we joined the free world again.

We know the price of freedom and the value of democracy. We all need to help those who are fighting for it now, especially Ukraine," the Estonian prime minister said.

As Rubryka reported, Estonia has already provided EUR 250M in military aid to Ukraine. 

According to the official, Estonia has provided such massive support to Ukraine that it needs to focus on replenishing its own reserves in the coming months. Therefore, the amount of defense assistance to Ukraine will be reduced.

Rubryka also reported that Estonia stopped entry for russian citizens with Schengen visas. 

"The restrictions concern travel for tourism, attendance at sports and cultural events, and trips to the Schengen area for entertainment purposes; we no longer accept such people, and we will not let such people into Estonia," said Deputy Director General for Border Management at Estonian Police and Border Guard Board Egert Belitšev.