It’s war, not hybrid attacks, says Estonian foreign minister

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has warned European leaders to stop referring to Russian attacks as "hybrid" and instead describe them as "terror attacks" and "sabotage attacks." These actions are part of a systematic Russian effort against Europe, which Tsahkna views as a form of war. After an August arson attack on a Milrem Robotics facility in Tallinn, three Latvian citizens suspected of setting the fire were handed over to Estonian authorities.

Tsahkna emphasized that European countries must punish such saboteurs harshly to deter future incidents. He argued that many of Russia's recruits for drone and arson attacks are motivated by financial gain rather than ideology. Tsahkna called on European governments to share evidence to attribute attacks to Russia, strengthen intelligence and security service coordination, and make clear the consequences for collaboration with Moscow.

He warned that the Kremlin seeks to divide European societies and exploit fear, with the potential for more serious attacks if Putin believes the EU is not responding collectively. While the EU is developing a new security strategy, Tsahkna emphasized that Russia may still pose a threat in the future, urging European countries to prepare.