Inquiry concerning the intention to deploy the Defense Forces to Ukraine (No. 814)
Session: XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Date: 2025-11-10 19:39
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 42
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 49m
AI Summaries: 42/42 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated an interpellation (No. 814) submitted to Prime Minister Kristen Michal concerning the intention to deploy the defense forces to Ukraine, which was filed by Varro Vooglaid and other members of the EKRE faction. The impetus for the interpellation was a statement by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, in which he confirmed Estonia's readiness to contribute up to a company-sized ground combat unit to ensuring Ukraine's security.
The rapporteur for the interpellators, Varro Vooglaid (pid: _wD0jSQ0aWg), emphasized that pursuant to § 128 of the Constitution, the sole right to decide on the use of the Defense Forces belongs to the Riigikogu, not the government or the foreign minister. He criticized the public confirmations made by the government representative in a situation where Parliament had neither adopted the relevant decision nor even discussed it. Vooglaid asked whether the government considers Tsahkna's confirmations binding, whether a risk analysis has been conducted, and whether the government relies on the blanket authorization (up to 100 defense personnel) granted annually by the Riigikogu when deploying the Defense Forces.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal replied that Estonia has informed its allies of its readiness to contribute training instructors and staff officers within the framework of a coalition of the willing, but repeatedly stressed that any deployment of a unit to Ukraine requires a mandate from the Riigikogu before the operation is launched. Michal rejected the interpellators' question about seeking Russia's consent, deeming it "bizarre" and noting that one does not need to ask the aggressor state for permission to support Ukraine. He affirmed that the government has no plans to abandon support for Ukraine. During the debate, the interpellators (especially Martin Helme and Mart Helme) accused the Prime Minister of evading answers and violating the constitutional order, stressing that sending Estonian soldiers to Ukraine would mean Estonia entering the war with Russia, which EKRE considers irresponsible. The Prime Minister concluded the discussions by suggesting that the interpellators' views on the necessity of Russia's consent resemble the positions of Russian officials (Peskov, Lavrov).
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made
Most Active Speaker
Varro Vooglaid (right) was the submitter of the interpellation and the most active speaker, who repeatedly asked questions and participated in the discussions, focusing on the constitutional issue related to the Foreign Minister exceeding their authority.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi introduced the fifth item on the Riigikogu agenda—the interpellation (No. 814) submitted to Prime Minister Kristen Michal by Varro Vooglaid, Arvo Aller, Mart Helme, and other members of parliament concerning the intention to send the defense forces to Ukraine—and then invited Varro Vooglaid to the rostrum to deliver the presentation on behalf of the interpellators.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid submits an interpellation concerning Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna’s public confirmation that Estonia is prepared to contribute to Ukraine’s security with up to a company-sized battle unit, emphasizing that such a decision exceeds the government’s authority, as the use of the Defence Forces in fulfilling international obligations is solely within the competence of the Riigikogu, pursuant to § 128 of the Constitution. He demands explanations from the Prime Minister regarding the exceeding of powers and the submission of corresponding risk analyses.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the audience and invited the honorable Prime Minister Kristen Michal back to the Riigikogu rostrum so that he could answer the questions posed by the interpellators.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal confirmed that the government has expressed Estonia's readiness to contribute professional military personnel to the coalition of the willing supporting Ukraine. However, he stressed that deploying a defense forces unit requires a mandate from the Riigikogu (Parliament) and is provisionally planned only after the conclusion of a ceasefire or peace treaty. He simultaneously and categorically rejected the question regarding the necessity of Russia's consent, confirming that risk assessments will be presented to the Riigikogu during the deliberation of the mandate bill.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi concluded the introductory segment and opened the questions-and-answers session, giving the floor first to Martin Helme.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme sharply criticized Kristen, accusing him of evading answers, particularly concerning the Foreign Minister's mandate to authorize military involvement. He stressed that a general affirmation of supporting Ukraine does not answer the question, and demanded a clear distinction between international peacekeeping missions (which require the consent of all parties) and entering a war on one side.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi confined his address to a brief expression of gratitude, saying only "thank you."
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme declared that Russia's consent would not be sought for intervening in the war on Ukraine's side, emphasizing the obviousness of this position and expressing annoyance at the listener's lack of understanding.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized that a Riigikogu mandate is always necessary for sending Estonian defense forces personnel on an international mission, which is why statements exceeding the Foreign Minister's authority are not binding. He also deemed the question of whether support for Ukraine should require the consent of Russia, the aggressor state, to be absurd.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi called Varro Vooglaid to the podium, but his actual speech is missing from the presented text.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid sharply criticizes the opposing side's ignorance in distinguishing between peacekeeping missions and combat units, and deems the government's assertion of readiness to send troops before receiving a Riigikogu mandate illogical and unconstitutional, asking whether the Foreign Minister relied on an already existing "blank check" mandate in his statement.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal explains that the Estonian state is participating in a coalition of the willing involving more than 20 countries. She confirms that while the government will state its intention and capacity, the parliamentary mandate required for foreign missions will certainly be sought in accordance with the rules, should it be necessary.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi merely introduced Mart Helme before giving him the floor.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme sharply criticizes the government and the foreign minister for their obfuscation regarding the deployment of a combat unit within the framework of the euphemistic "coalition of the willing." He accuses them of putting the Riigikogu (Parliament) in an impossible position, where failure to approve the decision would result in them being branded a Putinist.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal explains that Estonia is participating in a broad-based initiative led by the United Kingdom and France, which fully supports Ukraine's victory and a just peace, contrasting with critics who advocate for limited assistance. He also confirms that while Estonian defense forces constantly participate in foreign missions, an additional mandate is always sought whenever a new mission is established.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi gave the floor to Evelin Poolamets.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets is asking the government how it intends to ensure the constitutional legitimacy and adequate parliamentary oversight—despite the broad mandate—of the Defense Forces' potential participation in training or other activities taking place on Ukrainian territory.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal explained that foreign missions requiring a mandate will be coordinated publicly, and Estonia is ready to consider contributing professional servicemen to the coalition of the willing led by the United Kingdom and France, stressing that participating in cooperation with partners is crucial both for gaining experience and for ensuring national security.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi gave the floor to Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler asks the Prime Minister whether the participants in the so-called 'coalition of the willing' genuinely intend to develop their military capabilities, stressing that Europe's ill-conceived energy policy, which is leading to deindustrialization (especially in Germany and Great Britain), directly impedes the growth of the defense industry and, consequently, prevents the national defense resolve from materializing.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal notes that the Estonian defense industry, with nearly 200 companies, is one of the most optimistic sectors in Europe. They are actively increasing production capacity, drawing specific knowledge from Ukraine, particularly regarding drones and electronic warfare. He estimates that the defense industry is off to a good start in Europe and predicts that the current "peace project without weapons" will transform within 3 to 5 years into a heavily armed and more capable peace project.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announced the end of the question period, opened the debates, and invited Varro Vooglaid to the podium first.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid sharply criticizes the Prime Minister, accusing the government of exceeding its authority because the Foreign Minister has given international assurances regarding the sending of the Estonian Defense Forces to Ukraine, even though, according to the Constitution, the right to decide on deploying troops to foreign military missions belongs solely to the Riigikogu (Parliament). He demands a clear answer as to whether the government considers a previous blanket authorization sufficient for such a step, or if this constitutes illegal activity, emphasizing at the same time that without Russia's consent, this cannot be considered a peacekeeping mission.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi concluded his brief remarks with words of thanks and then yielded the floor to Martin Helme.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme expresses deep indignation over the government's "playing the fool" regarding Estonian security issues, and stresses that EKRE's position is categorically opposed to sending Estonian soldiers to Ukraine, arguing that such a step would constitute a decision to enter into war with Russia, which would bring ruin upon Estonia. Although Estonia is already providing exemplary financial and military support to Ukraine, the government must cease sending irresponsible signals about military involvement and focus instead on promoting the security and prosperity of its own country.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi concluded his address with words of thanks and then gave the floor to the next speaker, Mart Helme.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme faults the government for a constitutional crisis and the abuse of power, stressing that Margus Tsahkna’s promise to put "the skin of the Estonian people" on the market to aid Ukraine was made without the mandate of the Riigikogu or the people. He further argues that the coalition is using its majority to flout the constitution, which has actually led to the impoverishment of the Estonian population and the sacrificing of the country’s sovereignty, demanding that the government focus instead on Estonia’s prosperity and independence.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi intervened procedurally, informing his colleague that the allotted six and a half minutes of speaking time had expired, and then proceeded to ask a clarifying question.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme concluded his address by noting that the political focus has shifted over the years from the Centre Party to EKRE, and humorously hinted that, in the spirit of the trinity, a third dominant force might soon emerge.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanked the audience or the previous speaker and subsequently gave the floor to Peeter Ernits, inviting him to speak.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits, citing the recent *Ukrainska Pravda* and the stance of a member of the Ukrainian parliamentary group, highlighted the country's deep corruption problem. He described recent searches conducted at the home of Timur Mindich, a close friend and comrade-in-arms of President Zelenskyy, in connection with a large-scale corruption scheme in the energy sector. Ernits emphasized that the fight against corruption is a prerequisite for Ukraine's accession to the European Union and NATO, and noted that the most profitable business in Ukraine right now is fraudulent call centers.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi admitted that although the topic is very exciting and at the same time painful for his colleague, it is nevertheless not very closely related to the current agenda item.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits emphasizes that the topic under discussion is directly related to the activities of Foreign Minister Tsahkna, who is sharing the spoils with certain individuals, such as Timur Mindich and Herman Halushchenko, labeling this their primary business today.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi asked the participants for their consent to extend the discussion time by a couple of minutes.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits provided a short, but firm affirmative answer, confirming his full agreement with the preceding statement or question.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Toomas Kivimägi requested two additional minutes to continue his speech.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits adjusts the previous figure, proposing three as the answer.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi briefly announces that one stage, transition, or event has already been realized or completed.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits sharply criticized the rampant corruption in Ukraine, citing as an example the widespread phone scams prevalent among young people. He then rhetorically questioned whether Estonia should be directing its aid to a country grappling with systemic corruption, where only a small fraction of patriots are actually fighting on the front lines. He also simultaneously accused the Estonian media of deliberately avoiding the topic of these corruption schemes.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi announced that, since the Riigikogu members have exhausted their requests to speak, the ongoing discussions will be concluded by the Prime Minister with his address.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal confirmed that Foreign Minister Tsahkna’s position—that contributing to Ukraine’s security safeguards Estonia’s security and that a mandate is being sought from the Riigikogu for this—is entirely correct. However, he criticized those who submitted the inquiry, noting that their repeated line of reasoning, that peace in Ukraine cannot be guaranteed without Russia’s consent, is word-for-word identical to the rhetoric used by Kremlin representatives Dmitri Peskov and Sergei Lavrov.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi concluded the debate, noting that both the current item on the agenda and the entire agenda for the day had been exhausted.