Agenda Profile: Riina Sikkut
Draft law (642 SE) on the withdrawal from the convention prohibiting the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and requiring their destruction – second reading
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance focuses on increasing the flexibility of national defense while strongly supporting withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention (642 SE). This position represents a fundamental shift in values, moving from humanitarian considerations toward a security-based framework, stressing that the security environment has drastically changed due to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. The objective is to make aggression against Estonia unviable by granting the Defense Forces the necessary flexibility in selecting weapon systems.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in international humanitarian law and security policy, citing the number of state parties to the Ottawa Convention and the fact that no country has withdrawn to date. Specific data is used regarding the extent of Ukrainian territory mined by Russia ("more than the equivalent of three Estonian territories"), emphasizing the relationship between military necessity and lawful procurement. The speaker is also aware of the complexity and cost associated with demining.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious and argumentative, emphasizing both the logical necessity for security and the symbolic message directed at the aggressor. Strong emotional descriptions of Russia’s war crimes and its indifference to human life are employed, yet the tone remains formal and explanatory. The speaker draws on a historical comparison (a symbolic step taken before joining NATO) to justify the current decision.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity involve active communication with stakeholders, noting that over the past month and a half, numerous inquiries have been received both from organizations and individuals concerning withdrawal from the convention. The speaker also references the outreach efforts conducted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and members of the National Defence Committee among the allies.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at specific colleagues, criticizing Helir-Valdor Seeder for his simplistic and nuance-insensitive approach to assessing the security threat—an approach that fails to account for the changes in the situation since 2004. Kalle Grünthal’s position regarding the use of mines without withdrawing from the convention is deemed absolutely untenable, as it does not provide the Defence Forces with a legal avenue for procurement.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style emphasizes close regional collaboration with neighboring countries (Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland) to send a unified symbolic message about the readiness to defend ourselves. Mention is also made of the allies' (EU, NATO) understanding regarding Estonia's decision, referring to international outreach efforts.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly international and regional, centering on Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and close cooperation with neighboring states that share a border with Russia or Belarus. Domestically, the focus is on ensuring the operational readiness of the Defence Forces.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues covered include humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, acknowledging the danger posed by landmines and the resulting long-term suffering. It is further emphasized that while humanitarian values have not been lost, the security situation must ultimately outweigh humanitarian considerations in order to ensure national defense.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the second reading and final vote of the draft law (Bill 642 SE) concerning withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which the speaker strongly supports. The objective is to grant the Defence Forces the legal authority to procure and deploy anti-personnel mines, should a military necessity arise.
3 Speeches Analyzed