Estonian PM calls Putin a dictator
The gist
Estonian PM Kristen Michal refused to soften Russia rhetoric, calling Putin "a dictator who kills women and children."
The clash tests how far NATO allies can differ on talking about Moscow.
How it unfolded
- late September 2026Michal called Putin "a rat in the corner" while discussing a rise in sabotage incidents.
- Oct 30, 2026Reuters reported, citing four anonymous sources, that U.S. Defense Department officials asked Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to moderate their rhetoric toward Russia.
- Oct 30, 2026Michal told Delfi he would not hold back and called Putin "a dictator who kills women and children."