Radio National Breakfast "Putin is losing his authority globally": Estonia's Minister for Foreign Affairs on Russian Oil Sanctions
Mar 12, 2026
Margus Tsahkna, Estonia's Minister for Foreign Affairs and experienced politician, talks about Russia’s war on Ukraine and the risks of lifting oil sanctions. He warns easing sanctions would bankroll the conflict. He argues Putin’s international authority is weakening and discusses ties between Russia and Iran. He also highlights Australia’s strategic role and shared democratic values with Estonia.
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Sustain Pressure And Support For Ukraine
- Keep international focus and pressure on Russia and continue supporting Ukraine.
- Tsahkna's main message to Australia is sustained attention and pressure to defend rule of law and European security.
Higher Oil Revenues Will Lengthen Russia's War
- Russia's economy is weakened so higher oil revenues enable a longer war effort.
- Margus Tsahkna argues lifting US sanctions on Russian oil would fund Putin's war machine and prolong the conflict in Ukraine.
Putin Seeks Soviet Style Expansion Not Small Gains
- Putin's strategic goal is not limited territory but restoring Soviet-era influence.
- Tsahkna says despite battlefield stagnation, Russia's ambitions remain expansive and atrocities show freedom must be defended.