Shawn Cofran
Royal correspondent
Report from Tallinn, Estonia Pa
In a two-day visit to Estonia, the Prince of Wales has shown support for the British troops defending NATO’s border with Russia.
The visit began on Thursday with a meeting in Tallinn with Estonian President Ala Karis, followed by a visit to a school teaching refugees from the war in Ukraine.
Prince William will see soldiers training in the Baltic Sea as part of a multinational force aimed at blocking Russian invasions on the eastern side of NATO.
Estonia’s 900 British troops include soldiers from the Mercian Regiment, with Prince William in the Colonel. This is currently the largest operational deployment of the British Army overseas.
The visit arises amid uncertainty over the war in Ukraine and worries about Russia’s next steps.
Earlier this week, Estonia was one of the Russian border countries to withdraw from a treaty banning anti-personnel landmines – signs of growing tensions.
The navy is trying to prevent the interference of submarine cables.
The country is then planning to increase military spending to 5% of its gross domestic product (GDP).
PA Media
William received a warm welcome from the school children in Tallinn
Prince William’s visit to this little high-tech country is another moment of royal soft power, sending a message about the UK’s commitment to defending the Baltic nations.
This follows a visit by British Prime Minister Kiel a few months ago.
And speaking to the University of Tallinn students and staff, the royal visit appears to be warmly and welcoming.
It is seen as a sign of support from the country’s western allies, with a population of just 1.3 million, and is strongly aware of the need for military aid.
The threat from Russia seems very realistic from their perspective.
“We are more or less prepared for war,” says Catelyn Kiruna, a senior lecturer specializing in cybersecurity.
Concerns are rising
Already there is a constant wave of cyberattacks and misinformation from Russia. This will continue to “test the water” to see how NATO responds.
And as a predecessor of the Soviet Empire, Estonia is focusing on the current situation in Ukraine with growing concern.
“If Ukraine falls, we must fight for our lives,” says Catelyn.
And with my 18 year old son, it feels like a very personal concern.
Views from Eastern Europe at the forefront of NATO give a much more keen perspective on the issues surrounding Russian expansionism, says Catelyn.
“In Western Europe, that might be bad news,” she says.
“For us, it is the end of the world.”
University of Tallinn
Catelyn Kiruna says the threat from Russia looks very realistic from an Estonian perspective
Politics student Julijah Laudkibi said:[US] President Trump’s comments and actions have created anxiety among many Estonians.
“We talk a lot about it,” she says.
“There is definitely a fundamental concern about the threat poses by Russia.
“It’s proximity, we’re very close.”
Juliya supports pushing for spending on weapons and strengthening the NATO army.
Since Russia’s attack on Ukraine, she has stated: “It feels like the war is right behind the door.”
Liberal art student Sharon Kaashik says he grew up listening to hearing about the Soviet regime before Estonia became independent in 1991, and worries about the return of the past.
University of Tallinn
University of Tallinn student Sharon Kaashik trusts the NATO Alliance
However, she trusts military alliances and hopes that European countries will work together more closely.
Arts and music student Sander Poldoma, 21, wants to protect his country and volunteers in the Estonian Defence Force.
“We are a small country and Russia is right next to us,” he says.
And he is worried about Trump’s actions.
“Protect yourself”
Thunder hopes NATO will be stronger, but says it’s about deterrence.
“The main point for me is that I don’t want to cause war,” he says.
“But we need the ability to protect ourselves.
“The fear of those on the frontlines of Ukraine, I don’t want that from anyone.”
Estonia has given four times more assistance in UK relative terms as part of GDP and as part of GDP than any other country.
In the cold spring sunshine of Tallinn, it reflects how close the threat is.
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