Estonian PM: The Sooner Russian Refineries Are Smashed To Pieces, The Better

Estonian Prime Minister Kristal Michal has stated that Russian oil refineries and energy facilities should be destroyed as soon as possible, as they contribute to the financing of the war against Ukraine. In Brussels, he reiterated this position, emphasizing that the sooner all Russian oil refineries and facilities are damaged, the better, because Russia is financing the war.

While Estonia relies on the United States and NATO for security matters, the prime minister acknowledged that Estonia's borders with Russia have faced numerous security issues, including Russian fighter jets violating their airspace and the need for NATO assistance. Michal highlighted that NATO has been effective in handling these situations, and the United States has reaffirmed its commitment to NATO's obligations, including Article 5.

The EU leaders' summit is scheduled for October 15-16 in Brussels, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expected to attend on October 16. However, no new decisions on financing Ukraine are currently planned during the European Council meeting; discussions on using Russia's frozen assets are also not on the agenda. The European Council plans to tighten visa requirements for Russian citizens and express regret over the United States' temporary lifting of sanctions on Russian diesel fuel.