**Russia’s Ukraine Plans Remain Unchanged, Says Estonian Defense Minister**
Russian President Vladimir Putin has always had the same goal in mind when it comes to Ukraine – and that’s not changing anytime soon. According to Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, Russia is still aiming to take control of at least four more regions, on top of Crimea.
Pevkur made these comments in Brussels during a meeting with EU foreign ministers. The gathering was focused on how the European Union can best support Ukraine’s efforts towards peace and stability. It’s clear that Russia’s actions are anything but peaceful, though. Just before a recent phone call between Putin and former US President Donald Trump, Russia launched over 200 Shahed drones – a stark reminder of its aggressive intentions.
**EU Stands Firm with Ukraine**
Despite the ongoing aggression from Russia, Pevkur emphasized that the EU is committed to standing by Ukraine. “We will continue to support Ukraine no matter what Putin does,” he said. This resolve was echoed by other European leaders who are attending the meeting. They’re determined to find ways to strengthen their backing for Ukraine, including through new regulations and laws.
Pevkur also met with US congressmen in Washington last week. He believes that despite some differences between the EU and the US on how to approach Russia’s actions, there is still a shared goal of increasing pressure on Moscow through sanctions. This unified stance could potentially give Ukraine more leverage in its negotiations with Russia – although it remains to be seen whether this will ultimately lead to peace.
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