Estonian president calls for full trade embargo on Russia
We should seriously consider a full trade embargo against Russia, said Estonian President Alar Karis on Sunday. "Unfortunately, Europe still buys natural gas from Russia. Therefore, I call on all European countries to continue increasing our independence," Karis urged.
At the meeting in Vilnius during the ceremony of the Baltic states joining the European energy network CESA, leaders of the Baltic states and Polish President spoke. The event also included representatives of the European Commission: EC President Ursula von der Leyen and commissioners for defence Andrius Kubilius and for energy Dan Joergensen.
A full embargo against Russia? That's what the Estonian president is calling for
Estonian President Alar Karis said that in recent years, the European Union has succeeded in reducing its energy dependence on Russia, but it should not "rest on its laurels" in this matter.
But this is not the end. Unfortunately, Europe still buys natural gas from Russia. Therefore, I call on all European countries to continue increasing our independence. I strongly support the goal of stopping all imports of Russian energy into the European Union. We should also seriously consider a full trade embargo against Russia, stated the Estonian president.
He emphasized that "Europe must continue to strengthen sanctions against Russia." "These must be in place not until the end of the war, but until Russia fully compensates for all the damage caused to Ukraine," he stressed.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs added that in addition to becoming independent from Russian energy, the entire European Union should also focus on increasing spending on defence and security.
"We all understand that it is time for Europe to catch up, spend more on defence, and increase its arms industry. The Baltic states and Poland are among those that spend the most. We hope that other countries, both in the European Union and NATO, will follow their lead," he said.
