[varjag]

If you legalize a sizeable population loyal to another country, they can be manipulated to derail political processes in the host country via normal democratic procedures. Things like NATO or EU ascension become challenging. Estonia was right to nip this in the bud.

[actionfromafar]

Sure, but what Estonian carrots can be offered today to make the russian speakers feel welcome and appreciated? I'm a strong believer in two pronged approaches to avoid marginalization. Almost everywhere it occurs, there's hell to pay later, for everyone involved. There are kids born every year who had no say in the matter.