Sven Sakkov
Sven Sakkov (born 14 September 1971) is an Estonian diplomat and defence-policy specialist. He has served as Estonia's ambassador to the United Kingdom since 2025. He previously served as Estonia's ambassador to Finland (2020–2025) and led the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) (2015–2017) and the International Centre for Defence and Security (ICDS) (2017–2020).
Early life and education
Sakkov graduated cum laude in history from the University of Tartu (1995) and completed an M.Phil. in international relations at the University of Cambridge (1997). He later attended the Royal College of Defence Studies in London (2011–2012).
Career
Before entering ambassadorial posts, Sakkov held senior roles in Estonia's defence and security policy field, including posts at the Office of the President of Estonia, Estonia's representation to NATO, and the Estonian Embassy in Washington, D.C. He served as undersecretary responsible for defence policy at the Ministry of Defence (2008–2015).
In 2015 he became Director of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE). In 2017, the ICDS supervisory board appointed him Director of the International Centre for Defence and Security (ICDS), effective 1 September 2017.
Ambassador to Finland (2020–2025)
On 22 October 2020, Sakkov presented his credentials as Estonia's ambassador to Finland to President Sauli Niinistö.
Ambassador to the United Kingdom (2025–present)
President Alar Karis appointed Sakkov as Estonia's next ambassador to the United Kingdom on 10 June 2025. He presented his credentials to King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on 6 November 2025.
In November 2025, Sakkov also presented credentials as Estonia's ambassador to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Honours
Order of the White Star, 4th Class (2005).