"Russia is weaker today than it has been in many years. That is no accident. It is the result of our actions. Our strategy is working. So let's continue putting pressure on Russia, not on Ukraine," Michal said.
The Estonian prime minister said Russia's latest large-scale strikes on civilian infrastructure demonstrate that the Kremlin's objectives remain unchanged. According to him, Moscow still seeks to occupy all of Ukraine and undermine European unity, meaning the appropriate response is increased military support for Kyiv.
Michal also said the European Union has already allocated additional funding to support Ukraine, but individual member states should step up bilateral assistance as well.
"Estonia has committed to providing annual military assistance worth at least 0.25% of GDP. And we can do even more. Last year, that figure reached 0.35% of our GDP," he said.
The prime minister also urged the European Union to open all negotiating clusters for Ukraine's EU accession without delay. He said Ukraine's path toward membership serves not only Ukraine's interests but also the European Union's strategic and economic interests, while strengthening security and peace across Europe.
On June 25, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Russia would not prevail in its war against Ukraine and called on Moscow to begin peace negotiations and end hostilities. He also said Germany would continue supporting Ukraine and that Europe and NATO stand ready to increase economic pressure on Russia.