Estonian Prime Minister Taavi Roivas and Polish President Andrzej Duda agreed to extend sanctions against Russia in a meeting on Monday, responding to Russian aggression in Eastern Europe.
"Estonia and Poland are close in their understanding of security issues. For example, this is expressed in relation to the conflict in Ukraine. …We must continue to support Ukraine and remember that the situation there has not stabilized. We think we should continue sanctions against Russia until the territorial integrity and independence of the country [Ukraine] is restored," Roivas said.
Roivas’ call for sanctions comes after the kidnapping and sentencing of Estonian intelligence officer Eston Kohver last week. Analysts said that the case was reminiscent of Soviet show trials.
During his visit to Estonia, Polish President Duda also said that NATO should strengthen its eastern flank.
In a speech commemorating the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Totalitarian Regimes, Duda invoked Russia’s "imperial tendencies," saying that increased NATO support is "absolutely logical and justified not only historically but also in contemporary terms."
"Everyone knows the situation: imperial tendencies are resurging and the presence of NATO forces is a guarantee for our countries," Duda said.