Estonia's bold stand against Russia: Ready to face Putin's threat
Ukrainian flags adorn every corner, alongside graffiti denouncing Russia and posters warning Putin of the Nuremberg trials. Estonians call on the West: "If all countries did the same, the war would have already ended." They also share their readiness for a potential attack by Putin.
Apr 3, 2024 | updated: 8:44 AM EDT, April 4, 2024
Estonia, an often overlooked member of the European Union, stands as a steadfast ally of Ukraine against Russia's aggression.
In an interview with Polish newspaper "Gazeta Wyborcza," Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur revealed how this Baltic nation of just over 1.349 million people is gearing up for potential conflict with Putin.
"Russia is unlikely to change anytime soon. This means we must take their threats very seriously. This was evident in Georgia in 2008, Crimea in 2014, and the full invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Putin's recent re-election means the Kremlin has free rein. However, together as an Alliance, we are stronger than Russia," Hanno Pevkur explained to "Gazeta Wyborcza".
Pevkur underlines Estonia's commitment to aligning with the West, notifying its citizens and the entire Union and NATO about the war.
"I'm certain if all members of the Ramstein Group [a coalition supporting Ukraine militarily] acted similarly, the war would have concluded by now," the Estonian Defence Minister assured.
Furthermore, he criticizes the Western response as insufficient, arguing that actions must go beyond mere dialogue or pledges of support to Ukraine; arms deliveries should be a daily occurrence.
"It's crucial that the soldiers on the frontline feel supported, seeing new supplies arriving regularly. Promises are not enough; consistent action is necessary," Pevkur emphasized.
The Estonian minister notes that his country's citizens are better prepared for conflict compared to other nations.
"Having lived under this threat for years, we've developed extensive preparedness programs, ranging from educational courses for students and young people to training for entrepreneurs and decision-makers in the private sector," he mentioned in GW.
Pevkur also speaks on the potential support from Western countries in case of a Russian invasion.
He stresses that in the event of a threat to the United States, Estonia, or Poland, "we all must be ready to offer our help."
"This is the essence of NATO," Hanno Pevkur emphasized.
