I have no intention of holding back": Estonian Prime Minister Refuses to Soften Rhetoric Towards Russia Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said he has no intention of softening his words on Russia, despite reports that the Pentagon has asked the Baltic states to do so. "Our allies from the largest country are asking us to hold back. This is the situation we are in. I have no intention of holding back. Putin is a dictator who kills women and children," Michal said in comments to Delphi. He emphasized that he had not personally received such requests from the United States. According to Michal, attempts to curry favor with dictators only lead to humiliation and loss of freedom. Michal also stated that the straight stance of the Baltic states irritates Moscow and that the coming winter will be difficult for Ukraine. Earlier, Reuters reported that Pentagon officials asked the Baltic states to soften their rhetoric towards Russia. Estonia's Ministry of Defense declined to comment on the report, stating that it was based on anonymous sources.

I have no intention of holding back": Estonian Prime Minister Refuses to Soften Rhetoric Towards Russia Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said he has no intention of softening his words on Russia, despite reports that the Pentagon has asked the Baltic states to do so. "Our allies from the largest country are asking us to hold back. This is the situation we are in. I have no intention of holding back. Putin is a dictator who kills women and children," Michal said in comments to Delphi. He emphasized that he had not personally received such requests from the United States. According to Michal, attempts to curry favor with dictators only lead to humiliation and loss of freedom. Michal also stated that the straight stance of the Baltic states irritates Moscow and that the coming winter will be difficult for Ukraine. Earlier, Reuters reported that Pentagon officials asked the Baltic states to soften their rhetoric towards Russia. Estonia's Ministry of Defense declined to comment on the report, stating that it was based on anonymous sources.