Estonia, a member of the "coalition of the willing," intends to offer Ukraine a battle-ready infantry unit, a naval mine warfare ship, plus trainers and staff members, according to Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.
Estonia Throws Its Weight Behind Ukraine
Wanting to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine, Estonia plans to offer a fighting force unit, a naval vessel, and a whole bunch of experts, as announced by the nation's Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna.
"When it comes to Ukraine's security, Europe's security, Estonia's included, we ain't playin' games," Tsahkna said emphatically. "If Russia gets a hold of Ukraine, the whole security landscape in Europe is gonna take a hard hit. So it's in our best interests to help Ukraine stand on its own two feet — Europe-style."
Tsahkna also mentioned that while the "coalition of the willing," currently fronted by the Brits and the Frogs, is still in its planning stages, the Estonian government has made up its mind to contribute.
Here's a lowdown on Estonia's game plan:
Military Muscle
Estonia aims to supply Ukraine with a hefty arsenal of 10,000 155mm artillery shells and 750,000 food rations, part of a larger military aid package that includes spy drones, medical equipment, and remote-controlled systems[5].
As of December 2023, Estonia's overall military aid to Ukraine has clocked in at EUR 500 million since 2022[3].
Security Guarantees
Estonia is readying itself to dispatch a combat unit (between 50 and 250 troops) to Ukraine as part of the "coalition of the willing." This fighting force would play a pivotal role in ensuring security and enforcing a future ceasefire[2].
The proposed deployment includes a land combat unit, a naval mine-clearing vessel, training instructors, and strategic advisors[2].
Political and Strategic Backing
Estonia is a firm advocate for Ukraine's NATO membership, viewing it as a strategic safeguard against Russian hostility. If NATO membership is tabled for later, Estonia presses for interim measures such as stationing allied troops on Ukrainian soil[2].
In response to the Ukraine conflict, Estonia has greenlit a hike in defense spending to reach 5.4% of GDP. This move aims to beef up its military capabilities and meet NATO benchmarks[4].
In short, Estonia is pulling out all the stops, offering both direct military aid and strategic support through its involvement in the "coalition of the willing" and its push for Ukraine's NATO membership. So, if you're rooting for Ukraine, you've got a friend in Estonia!
- Estonia is preparing to send a combat unit to Ukraine, comprising of between 50 to 250 troops, to guarantee security and enforce a potential ceasefire, as part of the "coalition of the willing."
- To strengthen Ukraine's political and strategic standing, Estonia advocates for Ukraine's NATO membership and presses for interim measures such as stationing allied troops on Ukrainian soil.
- In addition to direct military aid, Estonia is offering military equipment, including spy drones, medical equipment, and remote-controlled systems, to Ukraine, amounting to a total of EUR 500 million since 2022.
- Interested parties can stay informed about the ongoing war-and-conflicts, politics, and general news related to Ukraine and Estonia by subscribing to updated sources and following the actions of their respective governments' officers.
