Foreign Minister Tsahkna in New York: fear should not prevent us from holding Russia’s leadership to account

“The time is right to establish an international ad hoc tribunal that would try the leadership of Russia. We must overcome our fear and lack of political will and ensure that international law prevails,” Tsahkna said. “Putting the political and military leadership of Russia that is responsible for the crime of aggression on trial is the only way of sending the crucial signal – it does not pay to start an aggression.”

The foreign minister said no country in the world can feel too safe in a situation where a UN member state is waging a brutal war against its neighbour. “The grave violation of the UN Charter is the concern and responsibility of the entire international community,” Tsahkna said. “The outcome of the war of aggression launched by Russia will have a fundamental impact on the global security architecture.”

At the meeting, Tsahkna also outlined the law adopted in Estonia that makes it possible to help Ukraine by using the frozen assets of individuals and companies that have contributed to Russia’s aggression. “The destruction committed in Ukraine must be compensated by the perpetrator,” the foreign minister emphasised.

Yesterday, the foreign minister attended the transatlantic dinner for NATO foreign ministers hosted by the US secretary of state on the occasion of the opening of the UN General Assembly’s 79th session. Minister Tsahkna also had bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Philippines, North Macedonia, the head of UN Habitat, and the chairman of the Commission of the African Union.
Today, Tsahkna will speak at an event on democracy organised by USAID, and he will have bilateral meetings with the president of the International Crisis Group, the Crown Prince of Kuwait, and the foreign ministers of Oman, Argentina, Somalia, Rwanda, Botswana, United Arab Emirates, and Armenia.