Defence Minister Kalle Laanet participated at the extraordinary meeting of NATO Ministers of Defence yesterday in Brussels, where the situation in Ukraine and additional possibilities for supporting Ukraine were discussed with the defence ministers of Ukraine, Finland and Sweden, as well as EU representatives. In addition, strengthening the defence of NATO member states through activated defence plans and heightened readiness was discussed.
Russia’s unprovoked full-scale armed invasion of Ukraine has significantly changed the threat level at NATO’s eastern flank, which has led to a situation that demands rapid decisions to strengthen defence in the region. The long-term NATO deterrence and defence posture therefore also needs accelerated adjustment in line with the changed threat situation. The long-term plans are in the works in member states and their agreement is expected at the Madrid summit in June at the latest.
“NATO has raised the readiness level of thousands of troops across the Alliance. This is a firm signal to Russia that any attack or provocation against one NATO member state will be swiftly and decisively met with a counter reaction from the entire Alliance,” commented Laanet. “Estonia’s message at the NATO meeting was to considerably strengthen the Alliance’s eastern flank, which also means increasing the number and capabilities of the troops positioned in Estonia. In addition, all emphasised the need to raise defence spending to at least 2% of the GDP. A stronger joint contribution will allow developing defence capabilities faster. Here I can proudly say that Estonia is one of the most exemplary Allies,” Laanet added.
The ministers also confirmed continued support to Ukraine and emphasised the need to provide all necessary military and non-military support to Ukraine. So far, Estonia has contributed aid in the value of 220 million euros, of which the majority is military aid; however, in addition Estonia has also sent Ukraine medical and humanitarian aid. “We have to do all we can and make the maximum contribution as long as it is needed to make sure Ukraine wins,” said minister Laanet.
During the ministerial, Laanet also met bilaterally with the minister of defence of the UK and trilaterally with the Danish and Latvian ministers of defence to discuss defence cooperation.