Russia could be seen as winner if war in Ukraine freezes — Estonian top general

He stated this in an interview with Delfi.

According to him, Russia has achieved its goal by sending a message to the world that the occupation of another state's territory is becoming the "norm."

Merilo noted that Russia, by seizing part of the Ukrainian land, actually demonstrates that such actions can be taken, and leads to the idea that these territories are likely to remain under Russian control for some time as a result of negotiations.

According to Merilo, this may encourage some states to consider the possibility that they have grounds to start a conflict or take something from their neighbor because of old disputes.

"This completely changes the entire security architecture in the world. Russia will have a good excuse to try to achieve its strategic goals somewhere else, because it worked in Ukraine. What Russia pays for this in Ukraine - hundreds of thousands of dead, seriously wounded and a depleted economy - is not particularly worrying. It is creating a new strategic position in the world, and it will be impossible to reverse this in the near future," he said.

He added that if the war in Ukraine is frozen, Russia will look like a winner in the eyes of many countries.

• On December 17, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, said that Moscow would not agree to freeze the war with Ukraine.