Maria Zakharova stated that the remarks made by the head of the Estonian Foreign Ministry demand accountability. "I believe that such people must answer for their words," Vzglyad quotes the diplomat as saying.

The spark for this was the Estonian Minister's speech in parliament, where he discussed security strategy and suggested the possibility of "shifting the war onto Russian territory" in the event of an attack.

What Exactly Tsahkna Said

The phrasing was aired by the public broadcaster ERR following the annual foreign policy report in the Riigikogu. In the transcript of the speech, the Minister emphasized that the country is "entering an era of foreign policy changes," and the outcome of the war in Ukraine directly impacts the future security of the region.

Among the key tasks, he highlighted:

• Strengthening regional security;

• Maintaining strategic relations with the USA;

• Protecting civil liberties.

Moscow’s Reaction

Zakharova reacted sharply to these words, stating that such remarks cannot be left without consequences.

Internal Discussion in Estonia

During the discussion of the report, criticism also emerged from the opposition. Lauri Laats, chairman of the Centre Party faction, stated that foreign policy should not be reduced solely to security issues, as the country's economic competitiveness is declining.

MP Anti Poolamets noted that the decision regarding peace must ultimately be made by Ukraine itself. He also emphasized: — "Tsahkna demonstrates a chaotic and excessively emotional approach to foreign policy," Poolamets concluded.

At the same time, Marko Mihkelson, head of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, stressed the critical role of the U.S. as a key ally and the necessity of investing in European defense within the NATO framework.

Read also: Margus Tsahkna’s "Shifting the War" Remarks Spark Resonance—from Moscow to Estonia

Context: Rising Defense Spending

The statements were made against a backdrop of steady growth in Estonia's military expenditures. According to media data:

• In the 2026 draft budget, defense spending is planned at 3.4% of GDP;

• In 2024 — 3.2%;

• In 2022 — 2.85%.

In absolute figures, spending reached approximately 1.33 billion euros in 2023, marking a significant increase compared to the previous period.

General Trend in Europe

Such rhetoric is not unique to the region.

Read also: Rheinmetall CEO: War in Ukraine Won't End in 2026—Defense Giant Expands Production

In recent years, representatives of Eastern and Northern European countries have increasingly spoken about the possibility of actions beyond their own territories within the framework of collective defense. According to SIPRI, the combined military spending of EU countries has grown by approximately 30% over three years, reflecting a general strengthening of defense policy amid geopolitical tensions.