Madis Rohr, Estonia's national security adviser, said the Estonian government was in “serious” discussions about sending troops to western Ukraine to take over non-combat duties from the Ukrainian military.
Newsletter Breaking Defense quoted Rohr as saying: We need to consider all possibilities. We shouldn't limit our minds on what we can do. ”
Rohr's comments follow comments from Estonia's Chief of Defense Staff, General Martin Hellem, who said there were concerns within the military about deploying troops in support roles such as medical services, logistics and air defense in the western Ukrainian city. It was revealed that there had been a discussion before. But Helem noted that the idea was polarizing once it was made public.
However, Rohr did not specify what non-combat missions the Estonian military might be able to perform.
Rohr said Estonia wanted a broader NATO mission to “demonstrate collective strength and resolve,” but a smaller coalition remained a possibility. He added: “It is not inconceivable that NATO countries that oppose such a move would change their minds over time.”
According to a report by Breaking Defense, Estonian President Aral Kalis is a key figure in foreign policy decisions as commander-in-chief, despite his executive role as prime minister.
The idea of stationing foreign troops in Ukraine has sparked debate, with French President Emmanuel Macron suggesting it should not be ruled out, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has warned NATO not to send ground troops. He reiterated his determination.
George Kent, the US ambassador to Estonia, cited the Biden administration's policy of providing large aid packages to Ukraine without sending US troops.
According to Breaking Defense, Western leaders fear the conflict could escalate into a war between Russia and NATO, possibly involving nuclear weapons. But the feeling in Finland and Estonia is that failure to help Ukraine win now could lead to a “reconstruction of the former Soviet Union” under Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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