Estonia’s military leadership has internally mulled over sending troops to western Ukraine to engage in non-combat support roles, aiming to bolster Kyiv’s efforts against Russian aggression. This revelation, shared by the Baltic nation’s chief of defense, Gen. Martin Herem, underscores the delicate geopolitical balancing act confronting the tiny nation as it navigates the fraught terrain between supporting a fellow democracy and avoiding direct military confrontation with a nuclear-armed neighbor.
Gen. Herem clarified that discussions about such a deployment hadn’t reached a “serious discussion” stage, as public opinion oscillates between a desire to act and fears of escalating the conflict. However, should Estonian troops be sent, their roles would be far from the front lines, likely encompassing medical, logistical, or even air defense tasks in safer, western regions of Ukraine.
These discussions come in the wake of Lithuania’s prime minister openly considering sending Lithuanian troops into Ukraine for training purposes. Acknowledging the potential for Russian escalation, she remarked, “If we just thought about the Russian response, then we could not send anything.” This bold stance reflects a growing sentiment among some European leaders that more direct action is needed to support Ukraine, despite Russian nuclear “blackmail.”
Marko Mihkelson, chair of Estonia’s Foreign Affairs Committee, took a similar line, advocating for a “coalition of the willing” to directly aid Kyiv, possibly even in combat roles. Drawing a parallel with the international efforts to bolster Israel’s air defenses against Iranian drones and missiles, Mihkelson noted that Estonia could play a role in such a coalition. “We know our duty,” he affirmed, hinting at a willingness to engage without caveats in support of Ukraine.
The idea of foreign troops on Ukrainian soil, however, remains highly contentious. France’s President Macron recently faced pushback from both Russia and European allies after suggesting it should not be ruled out. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the US administration have both reiterated their positions against sending ground troops, reflecting a consensus within NATO to avoid direct engagement with Russian forces in Ukraine.
This tension is set against a backdrop of apprehension that the conflict could spiral into a larger war, potentially drawing in NATO and triggering the use of nuclear weapons. Despite the rhetoric, the reality on the ground is one of caution and restraint. Estonia’s rapid-response Scout Battalion continues to learn from returned volunteers who fought in Ukraine, adjusting tactics and training to counter threats like drones and electronic warfare.
Relevant articles:
– Estonian volunteers fighting in Ukraine are helping prepare Tallinn’s rapid response force, Breaking Defense, 05/09/2024
– front line troops to Ukraine: General, Breaking Defense, 05/09/2024
– Ukraine-Russia war: Latest updates, Sky News, 05/09/2024
– Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 7, 2024, Critical Threats Project, 05/07/2024