The head of state expressed concern not only about the erosion of international law, but also about the inability of the UN Security Council to function. “The principles that have kept our world functioning are showing signs of weakening,” he remarked. “Something new is emerging. There have always been wars and conflicts, but the scale of those we are currently seeing – and the fact that more than one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council is directly involved in them – makes the situation worrying, especially to small states. I hope common sense will prevail, and that the principles of the UN Charter will be upheld.”
President Karis says that while Russia’s aggression in Ukraine remains the main test for European security, developments in the Middle East and the increasing frequency of incidents in airspace on NATO’s eastern flank are also fuelling concerns. “All of these incidents could be treated as isolated cases, but the fact that they keep recurring demands our attention,” he said. “We must remain vigilant and be better prepared for hybrid threats, which can take different forms and materialise at different times.”
In his address to the ambassadors, the head of state emphasised that military, economic and political assistance must continue to be provided to Ukraine. “If we want Russia to end its aggression and to stop posing a threat to its neighbours, we must maintain pressure through sanctions and support the Ukrainians in their self-defence,” he urged.
President Karis added that European countries have grasped the need to increase their own defence spending, to accelerate the development of defence capabilities and to strengthen the defence industry. “In the changed security environment, the enlargement of NATO is also important,” he said.
The head of state also showcased the AI Leap programme that Estonia has successfully launched. “AI is evolving incredibly quickly,” he noted. “It is up to us to ensure that the way it develops is safe, reliable and based on the principles of human rights.”
Lastly, President Karis thanked the ambassadors and their nations for their cooperation with Estonia and invited them to make more frequent visits to the country. Gallery (Aron Urb/Office of the President): https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCWmcy
