ESTONIA SHOULD ACTUALLY DO IT, REGARDLESS OF KREMLIN'S REACTIONS - KROSS STATEMENT
Estonia's Potential Role in Ukraine: A Test of Putin's Nerves
- It's high time for Estonia to demonstrate its commitment to stand with its European allies in a possible mission to Ukraine.
- Established deterrence strategies have always been the foundation of Estonia's (and NATO's) defense policy.
- Estonia should keep its voice strong, especially during these pivotal times in European history.
That's the question Reform Party MP Eerik-Niiles Kross poses—which Estonia would Putin find more challenging? One that hesitates to join forces with Ukraine due to fear of the Russians, or one that sees itself as an automatic ally?
Why the Choice Matters
- Estonia is already actively involved in military cooperation with Ukraine. For instance, Ukrainian drone operators take part in Estonia's large-scale Siil 2025 exercises, sharing combat experience and technology with NATO allies[1][2]. This suggests a level of involvement surpassing neutrality, echoing clear support for Ukraine.
- With a track record of challenging Russian hybrid warfare tactics and confronting covert operations near its borders[3], Estonia adopts an active, proactive defense posture. A passive stance on Ukraine would contrast sharply with its present strong stance, perceived by Russia as less than friendly.
- Publicly committing to direct participation in a mission to Ukraine would be an unmistakable symbol of alignment against Russia, heightening tensions. On the other hand, a neutral stance might seek to avoid overt provocation by suggesting non-involvement and less direct opposition.
- Considering Estonia's strategic ties with NATO and its consistent support for Ukraine's defense capabilities, it's not far-fetched to imagine a stated intention to participate in a mission to Ukraine as underscoring a firm pro-Ukraine stand. Such a stance is seen by Russia and Putin as antagonistic and provocative.
In a nutshell, Estonia's open intention to join forces with Ukraine conveys ardent backing for Ukraine's defense and would likely be markedly more troublesome to Putin than maintaining a neutral stance, suggesting non-alignment and less direct confrontation. The context of ongoing military cooperation and Estonia's vigilance against Russian threats points to a strong stance that Russia would consider antagonistic.
[1] "Estonia hosts Ukrainian drone operators for work during large-scale drill" - DW, retrieved from: https://www.dw.com/en/estonia-hosts-ukrainian-drone-operators-for-work-during-large-scale-drill/a-56200635
[2] "Ukraine to Join Largest NATO Military Drills in Estonia" - Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), retrieved from: https://www.rferl.org/a/estonia-largest-nato-military-exercises-ukraine-joins/30325106.html
[3] "Estonia's preparations against Russian threats" - EU Observer, retrieved from: https://euobserver.com/features/143308
In the context of the ongoing war-and-conflicts and political tensions, Estonia's open intention to join forces with Ukraine in a potential mission would be a clear sign of its general-news stance against Russia, posing a challenge to Putin's nerves. Furthermore, Estonia's history of challenging Russian hybrid warfare tactics and its active military cooperation with Ukraine suggest a proactive defense policy that could escalate tensions.
