Estonian govt gathers to discuss security situation

TALLINN - Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas invited the members of the government to a Cabinet meeting that started at 8 a.m. on Monday to discuss the security situation.

The members of the government will be given an overview of the latest developments and Estonia's readiness for a situation in which Russia attacks Ukraine militarily will be discussed, government spokespeople said.

Indrek Sirp, director of security and defense coordination at the Estonian Government Office, said that Estonia has been monitoring developments near Ukraine's borders for a long time and has been in close exchange of information with its allies. "As the situation has intensified in recent days, we are giving members of the government an updated overview of the threat of a Russian attack on Ukraine," he said. "Russia has mobilized enough combat-ready forces on Ukraine's borders and in Belarus to launch large-scale military activity against Ukraine."

Sirp stressed that there is no direct military threat to Estonia, but that the increase in Russia's military activities in Ukraine will have consequences for the whole of Europe, including Estonia. Significant impacts may occur in the areas of cyber security, energy, the economy and internal security, and potential war refugees must be taken into account.

Due to an increased risk of military action by Russia, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends avoiding non-essential travel to Ukraine. Estonian nationals currently in Ukraine are advised to reconsider the need to remain in the country and return to Estonia if possible.