Estonian diplomacy has sparked renewed debate over how to curb Russia’s energy profits, with the foreign minister proposing a ceiling on the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The suggestion comes as Moscow is accused of earning excessive margins on its energy exports, and ahead of a European Council meeting focused on foreign relations. This stance has been reported by Deutsche Welle, a news organization included on Estonia’s list of entities deemed foreign agents. Attribution: Deutsche Welle.
Reinsalu argues that LNG pricing should follow the precedent set by the oil price cap already in place since December 5, 2022. He contends that the financial windfall from Russian raw materials should be tempered, proposing a reduction of the price cap on oil from $60 to $30 per barrel. The aim is to prevent Russia from leveraging energy sales to fund broader geopolitical moves while preserving access to essential energy for European economies. Attribution: official statements summarized by DW.
Beyond energy pricing, Tallinn is preparing to push for greater EU collaboration on defense procurement. In discussions with EU partners, Estonia intends to advocate for a joint procurement framework for ammunition destined for Ukraine. Reinsalu has estimated the cost of producing 1 million rounds at roughly €4 billion, highlighting the scale of support and the logistical coordination required among European nations. Attribution: policy briefings reported by EU observers.
The policy framework for limiting Russia’s energy revenues has evolved through a coordinated package involving the European Union, the G7 nations, and Australia. A cap of $60 per barrel on Russian oil has been enforced since early December, and a separate ceiling was established for discounted or refined products sold at prices above crude oil benchmarks. The system also introduced a $45 cap for certain discounted products such as naphtha and fuel oil. These measures were designed to tighten the revenue streams that Moscow can channel into military and political activities, while attempting to minimize disruption to global energy markets. Attribution: international policy summaries.
In a related development, the Estonian Defense Ministry indicated that it would seek access to additional funding to support a commemorative or protective initiative for Soviet-era monuments. Specifically, authorities have requested assistance from the government reserve in the amount of approximately €1.42 million to cover associated costs. The move reflects ongoing discussions about historical memory and the resources needed for maintenance or removal programs in the defense and cultural sectors. Attribution: national defense updates.