Estonian defence minister believes Ukraine could strengthen negotiating position with operation in Russia's Kursk Oblast

Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur believes that Ukraine's operation in Kursk Oblast could enhance its position in future negotiations with Russia. He highlighted that the operation has showcased Ukraine's fighting capability and revealed that Russia is not as mighty as many believe.

"As I see, the Ukrainians showed that they can fight [through the operation in Kursk Oblast. Ukraine showed that, if necessary, they [Ukrainian forces] have the manpower and the equipment to take back their own land, but not only [Ukraine's] land. [Ukraine has also shown] Russia that they are not so mighty as many of us are thinking," Hanno Pevkur said in an interview with European Pravda.

The minister noted that the Ukrainian operation has opened up numerous new opportunities for both Ukrainian forces and the government.

He also expressed confidence that negotiations with Russia will eventually take place.

Pevkur noted that, during negotiations, it is essential to have good cards to play, and to secure such advantages, one must first win them. He pointed out that this is precisely what Ukraine is achieving in Kursk Oblast.

He further explained that this would enable Ukraine to both enhance its defensive positions (as Russia is required to reposition its forces to Kursk) and improve its negotiating stance.

Earlier, European Pravda reported that a number of EU member states supported the Ukrainian operation in Kursk Oblast.