Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · May 18

Today Russia detained a Greek tanker Green Admire as it was using a sea route agreed by Estonia, Finland & Russia.

Russia continues to behave in an unpredictable manner.

Our Allies have been informed.

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · May 17

On #IDAHOBIT, we reaffirm: no one should face bias, isolation, or violence based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Estonia stands for LGBTQI+ rights, freedoms & inclusion - at home & abroad. Human rights are universal & apply equally to everyone, everywhere.

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · May 8

Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as the Bishop of Rome.

Wishing him wisdom and strength in his sacred mission.

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · May 2

Estonia ranks 2nd in @rsf.org 2025 World Press Freedom Index—our highest position ever!

Safeguarding free media & journalists' rights is vital for democracy & requires vigilance.

We're proud to co-chair Media Freedom Coalition to champion press freedom & independent journalism.

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Apr 21

Estonia will remember Pope Francis, whose compassion & humility inspired millions.

He championed social justice, mercy, and unity, speaking out against conflicts & suffering.

The impact of His Holiness will be felt for generations to come.

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Apr 4

Today Russia struck a residential area in Kryvyi Rih, killing at least 14 people, incl six children, injuring more than 50 others.

Russia seeks war, not peace & the attacks against civilians, incl children are brutal proof of it.

My condolences to the loved ones of the victims.

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Apr 2

I was pleased to welcome the Minister of High-Tech Industry of Armenia, Mkhitar Hayrapetyan in Tallinn 🇪🇪 today.
Discussed our cooperation & I was happy to hear about the successful completion of 4️⃣ major Estonian developmental aid projects in 🇦🇲, with a strong focus on e-governance & education.

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Mar 26

Thank you for a timely & productive meeting in Washington, Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

We discussed strengthening transatlantic relations & advancing efforts towards a lasting peace in Ukraine, all with the shared goal of making both the U.S. & Europe safer & more prosperous.

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Mar 24

Always a pleasure to be back in Washington.

🇪🇪🇺🇸

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Mar 19

I had the pleasure of meeting 🇰🇷 Vice FM Kim Hong-Kyun today in Tallinn where the Korean Embassy was opened.

🇪🇪 & 🇰🇷 are united by common values & principles.

We discussed perspectives of stepping up cooperation & the shared security challenges we face.

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Mar 18

Starting from next year, Estonia's defense spending will be at least 5% of GDP.

Our aim? To make aggression against Estonia unfeasible.

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Mar 18

In current security environment, it is essential to evaluate all measures to strengthen our deterrence & defence capabilities.

Therefore, Estonia is initiating work on a draft law to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention that bans anti-personnel mines.

vm.ee/en/news/fore...

Foreign Minister Tsahkna: We can’t prohibit ourselves from using weapons that Russia is prepared to use against us

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said he was in close contact with neighbouring and nearby countries to make common moves towards withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention that bans anti-personnel mines, ...

vm.ee

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Mar 17

Russian military intelligence organised & funded the Ikea store arson attack in Vilnius last year.

Let that sink in.

If there was any doubt about Russia’s threat beyond Ukraine, consider this a stark reminder.

www.bbc.com/news/article...

Lithuania accuses Russia over Ikea store fire in Vilnius

Nato allies believe Russia is running sabotage operations to undermine European support for Ukraine.

www.bbc.com

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Mar 17

Ukraine must feel unwavering support, while Russia must face relentless pressure.

This is the formula that helps to advance on the path to just & lasting peace.

#FAC @eucouncil.bsky.social

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Mar 14

Today, EU extended sanctions against 2⃣4⃣0⃣0⃣ individuals who undermine Ukraine’s territorial integrity & sovereignty.

Hungary’s once again showed its true colours- its actions led to the removal of three oligarchs from the list, undermining core European security interests.

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Mar 11

I welcome news from Ukraine & US talks in Jeddah, incl a proposal for interim ceasefire & US decision to resume military assistance, intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

It’s an important step towards a just & lasting peace in Ukraine.

The responsibility rests solely on Russia.

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Mar 10

Looking forward to meeting my colleagues @jnbarrot.bsky.social & Benjamin Haddad in Paris to further strengthen the relationship between our countries.

Also high on the agenda: continuous support for Ukraine, boosting Europe’s defense capabilities, & increasing pressure on the aggressor.

Estonian MFA @mfaestonia.bsky.social · Mar 10

FM @tsahkna.bsky.social will visit Paris from 10 to 11 March to enhance the strategic partnership between Estonia & France.

He will open an Estonian Business Hub, meet with Minister for Europe & Foreign Affairs @jnbarrot.bsky.social & Minister Delegate for Europe Benjamin Haddad.

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Reposted by Margus Tsahkna

Estonian MFA @mfaestonia.bsky.social · Mar 8

Today, we celebrate women’s strength and resilience.

Estonia champions women's rights globally, empowering women in developing countries & advocating for gender equality.

Happy International Women's Day!

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Mar 4

When facing rough waters, stick together with your Allies.

Thank you dear Espen Barth Eide for a substantial meeting today in Bodø & for a thorough briefing at the Norwegian Armed Forces’ Joint Headquarters.

🇪🇪🤝🇳🇴

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Mar 4

My statement on the ReArm Europe Plan is available here ▶️https://vm.ee/en/news/comment-foreign-minister-margus-tsahkna-proposal-european-commission-president-ursula-von-der

Comment by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the proposal by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for a joint EU instrument for increased defence spending

Comment by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the proposal by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for a joint EU instrument for increased defence spending:

vm.ee

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Mar 4

Today’s proposal by @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu shows that the EU is actively working to increase its contribution to European security.

And we will continue working on this.

I agree that we must step up our support to Ukraine.

Kaja Kallas @kajakallas.bsky.social · Mar 4

It’s time we rearm, reequip and stand ready for Europe’s defence.

We will use every lever we have – from adapting fiscal rules for defence spending, to mobilising our EU Budget, to new loans for joint procurement of equipment.

We must also step up our support to Ukraine #EUCO

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Mar 2

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania & the UK had a video meeting today & the messages coming from London affirm that a critical majority of Europe is likeminded.

The next step should be a coalition of the willing to give military aid and security guarantees to Ukraine.

More here 👇
vm.ee/en/news/fore...

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Feb 28

I just had a call with my friend & 🇺🇦 colleague Andrii Sybiha where I reassured Estonia’s support to Ukraine whatever it takes 🇪🇪🤝🇺🇦

Ukraine is not alone.

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Feb 24

Today we celebrate the 107th anniversary of Estonian independence.

It’s a day to remind ourselves that despite all odds, freedom can prevail if it is fought for.

Elagu Eesti – Long live Estonia!

Estonian MFA @mfaestonia.bsky.social · Feb 24

It's #Estonia's 1⃣0⃣7⃣th birthday today!

Our lessons from history inspire us to stand for justice, freedom, & the right to choose one's own path.

Elagu Eesti!

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Margus Tsahkna @tsahkna.bsky.social · Feb 19

The political agreement on the 16th sanctions package for Russia is very much welcome.

Russia has and continues to channel its resources towards annihilating #Ukraine.

As long as Russia has not changed its course, the #EU will continue to raise the cost of war for it.

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