Estonia Plans to Send Combat Unit to Ukraine

Estonia has announced its readiness to contribute a company-sized combat unit, training instructors, and staff officers to a 'deterrence force' in Ukraine, as part of the Coalition of the Willing led by the UK and France. Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized that any deployment would require parliamentary approval and is aimed at providing security guarantees to Ukraine, particularly as NATO membership remains a longer-term goal. Estonian officials reiterated that Ukraine's security is fundamentally tied to broader European security and stressed the necessity of practical defense measures while awaiting NATO accession. Discussions about the coalition and the potential mission are ongoing, with Estonia highlighting the importance of tangible action to deter Russian aggression. The proposed contingent would be part of broader allied efforts, though challenges remain in assembling a larger multinational force due to personnel and funding constraints among European armies.