Published On: Fri, Apr 5th, 2024

EU nation on Russia’s doorstep promises Putin ‘massive defeat’ if he invades | World | News


In a resolute message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Estonian Army Captain Mikk Haabma has warned of a “massive defeat” should Russia decide to invade Estonia.

Haabma’s statement comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with Russia‘s aggression in Ukraine casting a shadow over neighbouring countries.

Speaking to BBC News, Haabma said: “Because we are ready, all our soldiers are ready. Of course, they have the numbers but in the end on a strategic level we have NATO.”

The comments coincide with the 75th anniversary of NATO’s founding, where top diplomats reaffirmed their commitment to collective defence, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasised the urgency of aiding Ukraine, calling for the provision of essential military equipment such as air defence systems, drones, and artillery shells to protect Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.

The anniversary celebrations were marked by a gathering of NATO leaders in Brussels, where Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised the enduring significance of the Washington Treaty, which founded NATO in 1949. Stoltenberg stressed the treaty’s role in fostering security, prosperity, and peace across member states.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken paid tribute to the sacrifices of millions of military personnel who have upheld NATO’s commitment to mutual defence.

Blinken warned against threats to democratic principles and the rule of law, echoing concerns about aggression from those who seek to redraw borders through force.

The attendance of Ukraine‘s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba underscored the urgency of the situation, with Kuleba highlighting recent deadly attacks on Ukrainian cities and the need for immediate support from NATO allies.

Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billström and Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, both recent additions to NATO, reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to collective security and condemned Russia‘s expansionist tactics.

Putin’s justification for the invasion of Ukraine based on NATO’s expansion was challenged by NATO’s enlargement, which has seen its membership nearly triple since its inception. The principle of collective defence enshrined in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty remains a cornerstone of NATO’s response to aggression, ensuring a united front against any attack on member states.



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