Estonian foreign minister: North Korea and China among Putin's friends next in line to be removed

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna believes that among regimes friendly to Russia, North Korea and China may be next in line to be removed from power.

As reported by Estonian public broadcaster ERR, Tsahkna said that among the allies of Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin, some are "either already in heaven or in hell – likely in hell – or sitting in prison".

"North Korea remains, let's say China too; maybe a few others. But generally, the point of this narrative, without any joking, is that Putin's authority is falling apart," he said.

In recent months, the United States has removed Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro from power, who is now awaiting trial in a detention centre in New York, as well as Iran's supreme religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike.

In addition, Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad was removed from power last year following military operations.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, commenting on the death of Khamenei, said it is entirely reasonable that Putin now has fewer allies.

"That is certainly very reasonable. Maduro, who was a member of Putin's 'friends' club, has gone. Now there is one fewer again, and so on. The more further nuclear capabilities and other major weapons capabilities are kept out of the hands of such dictatorial administrations, the better," Michal said.

A recent poll showed that only about 27% of Americans approve of the US operation in Iran.

US President Donald Trump, commenting on losses during the operation against Iran, said the number of fallen service members could rise before the military campaign ends.

He has also said that military operations against Iran could last up to four weeks.