Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin’s comment last week that Russia is ready for constructive and positive relations with Estonia should not be taken too seriously, according to one political scientist at the University of Tartu, Karmo Tüür.
Expert: Putin’s Words Should Be Taken With a Pinch of Salt
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Tüür told uudised.err.ee that Putin's comment may not have been more than diplomatic etiquette.
“For that reason there is no point in attributing any deeper meaning to [Putin’s] words other than what we can literally see,” Tüür said.
Still, Tüür said he expects Russia to this year concentrate on sorting out the country’s border situation and a thaw in the progress of border treaty negotiations is likely.
“More than one-time statements or handshakes are needed for long-term improvements to relations," said Tüür.