Protecting Ukraine, Defending the Baltics, and Preserving American Leadership

Dear Friends and Supporters,

The recently finalized agreement between the United States and Russia to ease U.S. restrictions on Russian energy imports undermines efforts to support Ukraine’s defense and raises alarm bells for Baltic countries, and the broader transatlantic community. Coupled with the executive order on October 16^th to exempt Russia from the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, the U.S. has just extended a financial lifeline to an aggressor state and abandoned Congressional intent.

As Estonian Americans, we understand that the security of Ukraine and the security of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are deeply connected. Russia’s war against Ukraine is not only a struggle for Ukraine’s sovereignty and freedom; it is also a test of the principles that have protected democratic nations and sustained the NATO alliance for generations.

Russian oil and gas revenues help sustain the Kremlin’s military capacity. This agreement to allow Russian energy exports to generate additional revenue – while Russia continues its war against Ukraine – risks undermining international efforts to hold Moscow accountable. It also increases the resources available to Russia for further military pressure, cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and other forms of hybrid aggression against NATO’s eastern flank, including the Baltic States.

Taken together with other recent U.S. actions—including threats to cut intelligence sharing with Ukraine, the suspected throttling back of the Pentagon’s Starshield satellite network, and calls for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to be replaced — these two decisions suggest a foreign policy aimed at imposing an unfavorable peace settlement rather than one that defends Ukraine’s survival as a sovereign nation, a foreign policy that would strengthen Putin as a regional threat.

Congress Must Uphold U.S. Commitments

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has challenged the reported decision of the administration to permit Russian diesel imports, stating that the decision ignores restrictions enacted after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and that the administration also failed to consult congress or offer any justification, as required by statute. The senators have called on the administration to reverse course and have emphasized that American dollars should not provide financial support to Russia while its aggression continues.

As Estonian Americans, we believe that a secure and independent Ukraine is essential to a secure Europe. Supporting Ukraine’s ability to defend itself helps protect the sovereignty of all nations that face the threat of Russian coercion.

Ukraine and Baltic Security Are Inextricably Linked

In recent interviews with journalists, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has expressed concern about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine, emphasizing that Ukraine cannot afford to be weak if it is to survive. His message underscores a central concern for Estonians and other Baltic peoples: sustained American engagement matters.

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have firsthand historical experience with Soviet occupation and the loss of national independence. Their freedom was restored through decades of determination, and their security today depends on a strong NATO alliance, credible deterrence, and continued cooperation with the United States.

What Estonian Americans Can Do: Make Your Voice Heard

Our community has an important role to play in ensuring that policymakers understand the stakes. We encourage Estonian Americans, Estonian American organizations, and friends of the Baltic nations to take the following steps:

1. Contact your Members of Congress.

Ask your senators and representative to review the reported Russian diesel arrangement, uphold applicable sanctions law, and oppose measures that would provide Russia with additional revenue while its aggression continues. Encourage Congress to maintain strong support for Ukraine and strengthen U.S. security cooperation with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

2. Raise awareness in your community.

Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper explaining why Ukraine’s defense matters to American security and the future of NATO. Share reliable information through community newsletters, social media, cultural organizations, and public events. Personal stories about Estonian history and the restoration of independence can help Americans understand why the sovereignty of Ukraine and the security of the Baltic States matter.

3. Support a strong and resilient Baltic region.

Advocate for continued U.S. commitment to NATO, credible deterrence on the alliance’s eastern flank, and cooperation on cybersecurity, countering disinformation, and protecting critical infrastructure. Ukraine’s defense and Baltic security should be treated as connected elements of a broader strategy for European stability.

For generations, Estonians have understood the value of freedom, national sovereignty, and international solidarity. Today, those principles call us to remain engaged.

A secure Ukraine strengthens a secure Baltic region. A secure Baltic region strengthens NATO. And a strong transatlantic partnership helps protect the freedom and independence of democratic nations.

Thank you for standing with Ukraine, supporting Estonia and the other Baltic States, and helping ensure that the Estonian American voice is heard in Washington and throughout the United States.

With appreciation,

Estonian American National Council