![]() ![]() ![]() Together with our NATO allies, we will do everything possible to ensure that in Estonia and the Baltic region as a whole, there exists a visible and unassailable military presence prepared to defend us from the very first second of attack. I truly hope that this consensus will also lead to financing for our protection. Every Estonian political entity promises to increase national defense spending. We have worked assertively to increase our defense capability, making difficult and expensive decisions. The ability to quickly receive and host our allies.Įstonia has all these things, and the situation is steadily improving. Warehouses stocked full of necessary ammunition. New weapons systems and opportunities to practice their use in Estonia. What does this entail? Boosting the battle readiness of our reserve forces and increasing the numbers and capabilities of the Estonian Defense League. Our preparedness to defend Estonia will forever endure alongside a country so hostile to peace. True, we ourselves also have much to accomplish in a short amount of time. Russia must never doubt that the moment it decides to attack a NATO ally, the alliance's response will be swift, devastating, and final. Nor does it mind its own economic ruin or diplomatic isolation. Russia places no value in human life, neither at home nor in Ukraine. The goal of Russia's leadership remains intrinsically imperialistic: to continue its war of conquest and subjugate Ukraine. ![]() This knowledge unfortunately emboldened the aggressor. However, it was also known that NATO troops would not wage direct war against Russian soldiers in Ukraine itself. Russia, whose total war on Ukraine, launched one year ago, opened the gates of hell to chaos and suffering.Īs a border state, Estonia must entertain an uncomfortable question: though Russia incorrectly assessed Ukrainian resistance and Western support for the victim of aggression, would Russia repeat the same mistake in the Baltic region?Įven before the full-scale war was launched, NATO allies vowed to support Ukraine with weapons in the event of an attack. We do live in a geopolitically fragile location adjacent to Russia and its imperialist tendencies. When I assert that Estonia's military security is fortified and cared for, then the claim's categorical nature may seem like an embellishment of reality. In Estonia, it is a cause for concern and uncertainty. Evil extends from the other side of that border. In Luhamaa, Koidula, and Narva, we can declare with full force that freedom begins here. High-speed connections of all kinds to the north, west, south, and internally should be a component of our strategic intention to avoid being peripheralized at the end of the free world. And if we simply sit and watch the sunset, carefree like August Gailit's character Toomas Nipernaadi, then the sun will set, and we will still lack those highways and railways. I'll leave air connections aside for now. However, we are not connected to Europe by a modern highway or a high-speed railway. We must continue to be everything that helped Estonia rise and become an inseparable part of the West anew. We must be tenacious and flexible inventive and audacious. Yet, people are not grains of sand and Estonia is not dissipating smoke. If we lack that sense for truth, then we are like a heap of sand scattered by a gust or smoke that dissipates in the sky. Therefore, if we wish to truly help ourselves, then we must foster the inner conviction that faithfulness to our land, our people, our language, our culture, and our uniqueness is the only way forward. These are touchstones that will determine Estonia's future if we manage them swiftly. Relations between the state and its citizens. Maintaining the foundations of democracy. Afterward, it felt like we had time to rest a spell. We were in a great hurry when we joined the European Union and NATO. Like being in the same boat.īut not a boat standing still, because those who remain motionless opt to come in last. These worlds create yet another that we all share one where we all coexist. I'll read you an excerpt: "…as every individual is a world, I certainly need Estonia to be able to speak Estonian without fear or shame, to eat black bread, and to live free on my native soil." Merje Meerits, a teacher at the Tallinn Polytechnic School, sent me her students' submissions with a covering letter. In January, I asked students to write essays on the topic: "Why does the world need Estonia?" It's a question for adults to consider as well. Firstly, of course – congratulations! I wish you well on the birthday of the Republic of Estonia! That is the reason for us celebrating here and in countless homes in Estonia and much farther afield. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |