"Finland is Estonia's number one trading partner, home to many Estonians and a like-minded ally in so many organizations I can't even count them all," Michal said at his meeting with Orpo in Tallinn on Friday, highlighting Estonia's strong ties with its northern neighbor.

Michal noted that Estonia also has excellent defense cooperation with Finland, demonstrated this past winter with the launch of NATO's Baltic Sea Guardian operation.

"Finland's accession to NATO has made our region stronger and better protected," he said. "Together we've taken decisive steps to counter Russia's shadow fleet and safeguard our undersea infrastructure."

The Estonian leader also praised Finland's diplomatic efforts in Washington and more broadly to help end Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

"Putin's goals haven't changed," Michal said. "He wants all of Ukraine and to rewrite Europe's current security order. Estonia will never recognize changes to borders imposed by force."

The two prime ministers also underlined that their countries' cooperation within the EU has been very good and effective.

"According to the European Commission's proposal for the next long-term budget, EU support for strengthening Europe's defense capability and helping Ukraine would increase significantly," Michal said.

He added that transport and energy links would also receive extra funding.

"Hopefully this will also help us move forward with the construction of Estlink 3," Michal said.

Orpo: Finland needs patience, but will participate

To pressure Russia into peace talks over the war in Ukraine, the EU should move quickly on the next sanctions package, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said during his visit to Estonia. He added that sanctions should also be stepped up by the United States, which would deal a significant blow to Russia's economy.

Following the Ukraine–U.S.–Europe–NATO leaders' summit in Washington, Orpo stressed the importance of developing strong security guarantees together, with continued support for Ukraine's forces being the top priority.

The Finnish prime minister neither confirmed nor ruled out the possible deployment of Finnish troops to help uphold any potential peace deal.

"We're looking for a role that fits us," Orpo said. "There are different military options as well. Patience is needed here."

He added that if the guarantee is anything like NATO's Article 5, it would be a major commitment.

"In Finland, such commitments require discussion between the government and the president, but also the parliament," Orpo explained. "We take a broad-based approach to what we decide and what we commit ourselves to. For now, the process has to continue. But we will participate."

After his official meeting with Michal, Orpo also met with Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna before the prime ministers departed on a joint trip to Western Estonia.

Friends. Allies. Partners.

A memorable morning fishing off the coast of West Estonia.

Congratulations on the biggest catch today, @PetteriOrpo. Will be waiting for the rematch. pic.twitter.com/OTt7vV8gnc

— Kristen Michal (@KristenMichalPM) August 23, 2025

--

Follow ERR News on Facebook and Twitter and never miss an update!