Source: Merilo in an interview with Delfi, quoted by "European Truth"
Details: According to him, Russia has occupied the territory of a neighboring country, sending a clear signal to the world that this is acceptable, and as a result of negotiations, this territory will likely remain with the Russian Federation for some time.
This, Merilo believes, serves as a message to other states, which may now consider that they have grounds to initiate a conflict over some old issue or to seize something from their neighbor.
"This completely alters the entire security architecture in the world," said the head of Estonia's Defense Forces.
"Russia will have a strong justification to pursue its strategic objectives elsewhere, since it has worked in relation to Ukraine. What Russia pays for this in Ukraine – hundreds of thousands of fallen, severely wounded, and an exhausted economy – does not particularly concern it. It is creating a new strategic position in the world, and reversing this in the near future will be impossible," Merilo added.
He further stated that if the war in Ukraine results in a frozen conflict, then in the eyes of many countries, Russia will be seen as the victor.
Background:
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized on December 19 that formats for ending the current phase of the war with Russia that would amount to “freezing” hostilities are unacceptable for Kyiv.
- At the same time, Zelensky expressed willingness to agree to a freeze in the war with Russia, provided that the territory under Ukrainian control is placed "under NATO's umbrella."