Estonia's Ambassador to Kyiv: We Should Learn from Ukrainians' Calmer Approach to War

Estonia's new ambassador to Kyiv, Tiina Intelmann, observed that the level of anxiety in Estonia regarding the war in Ukraine sometimes appears greater than in Ukraine itself. In an interview with Postimees, Intelmann, one of Estonia's most seasoned diplomats, suggested that Estonians could learn from Ukrainians' more composed approach to daily life amidst the conflict.

"Shouldn't we learn this lightness from the Ukrainians every day, because people here are simply trying to live their daily lives," Intelmann stated. She contrasted the emotional intensity, finding that Estonia's emotional level is higher. "It seems to me that we have a bit too much of these emotions," she added.

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Shouldn't we learn this lightness from the Ukrainians every day, because people here are simply trying to live their daily lives.

Intelmann, who began her duties as ambassador this week, implied that the constant state of war in Ukraine has perhaps led its residents to a more pragmatic and less emotionally reactive stance. Her comments highlight a potential difference in how societies cope with prolonged conflict and the associated anxieties.

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It seems to me that we have a bit too much of these emotions.