
Healey: jõudude saatmine Ukrainasse ei tule Eestile antud lubaduste arvelt
Healey: Deployment of Forces to Ukraine Will Not Come at the Expense of Commitments to Estonia
Ühendkuningriigi kaitseminister John Healey kinnitas, et Briti julgestusjõudude saatmine Ukrainasse ei mõjuta Eestile antud lubadusi. Ta rõhutas Eesti ja NATO idatiiva tähtsust.
UK Defense Minister John Healey confirmed that the deployment of British security forces to Ukraine will not affect the commitments made to Estonia. He emphasized the importance of Estonia and NATO's eastern flank.
Estonia is about to host the NATO exercise Siil. The British 4th Brigade is coming to Estonia to participate. John Healey (JH) says they are ready. Siil is one of the largest NATO exercises this year. The 4th Brigade, about 2,500 soldiers, will demonstrate together with Estonian forces what they can achieve together. This is based on nearly a decade of close cooperation within NATO. Thousands of British soldiers live alongside Estonians. They plan, train, and practice together. JH believes they have achieved breakthroughs and shown other NATO countries how to do things better.
Hanno Pevkur (HP) confirms that Estonia is ready to receive the British brigade. They have been preparing for this for a long time. All preparations have gone according to plan. HP emphasizes that this is a long process, but Estonia is ready.
JH confirms that the deployment of British security forces to Ukraine will not affect the commitments made to Estonia. He says that any deployment of forces to Ukraine will not come at the expense of the work being done in Estonia. JH emphasizes his commitment to Estonia and NATO's eastern flank. He has visited Estonia five times and met with British soldiers serving on the Russian border.
HP says that Estonia supports the British-French initiative in Ukraine. He met with the NATO Secretary General, who understands that NATO's eastern flank cannot be threatened. Estonia has supported Ukraine since the start of the war. They sent anti-tank missiles and a lot of equipment. HP says they are still making plans and awaiting the results of peace negotiations.
JH emphasizes that no one can question Estonia's commitment to NATO and Ukraine. Estonia has been one of the strongest supporters of Ukraine. JH says that as they stand behind Ukraine in war, they will also stand behind it in peacetime.
JH explains why the 4th Brigade is coming to Estonia. It is part of a plan that Estonia and NATO have agreed upon. The 4th Brigade is a light infantry brigade that fits well with the Estonian Defense Forces. JH says they will not just bring new tanks and armored vehicles to Estonia but will work together with the Estonian Defense Forces on the border. This is a new way to show other NATO countries how to do things better.
HP says that Estonia's defense budget will increase by over five percent next year. They are acquiring new capabilities, such as deep strikes and air defense. HP says that the 4th Brigade is part of their war plan. They have developed a defense plan together with NATO. HP emphasizes that it is important to look at capabilities, not numbers.
JH says that Estonia and the United Kingdom are at the forefront of NATO. Estonia's border with Russia is one of the most important borders. JH emphasizes that their new capabilities will become Estonia's capabilities. He believes that other NATO countries will take them as an example.