Estonian president: Strengthening alliance's defense capabilities unavoidable

TALLINN – While discussing the upcoming summit in The Hague with the leaders of NATO's eastern flank countries (B9) and the Nordic countries in Vilnius, Estonian President Alar Karis emphasized that strengthening the defense capabilities of the entire alliance is unavoidable.

"Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defense, but the unwavering commitment of the United States to NATO and Article 5 is equally important," the head of state said.

According to Karis, Estonia has three clear goals for the summit in The Hague: a significant increase in defense spending, a clear message about the threat from Russia, and strong additional support for Ukraine.

The president added that Estonia supports increasing defense spending to a new level of 5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and considers it necessary to agree on a specific and short timetable to achieve this.

"Over the next four years, Estonia's national defense spending will amount to 5.4 percent of GDP. This is a direct contribution not only to Estonia's but to the entire NATO defense capability," he added.

According to the president, the need for an increase in NATO's defense spending stems from defense plans.

"Russia's ambitions are not limited to Ukraine, but aim to weaken NATO as a whole -- both through direct military pressure and hybrid attacks, including sabotage and shadow fleet activities in the Baltic Sea. We must address these threats seriously and jointly in NATO," Karis said.

Leaders of NATO's eastern flank and the Nordic countries also discussed supporting Ukraine.

"NATO must continue its strong political and military support for Ukraine, as this is a key issue for European security," Karis said, adding that Ukraine's path to NATO is irreversible.

"Ukraine's membership is not just a political goal, but a security guarantee for both Ukraine and the whole of Europe," the president said.

The leaders of NATO's eastern flank and the Nordic countries also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Karis pointed out that the human casualties and widespread destruction in recent weeks -- in Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Odesa and elsewhere -- show that Russia is not interested in peace negotiations.

"The attack on civilians, including children, is a reminder that Russia does not want peace, but the continuation of war," the president said.

"Russia's war against Ukraine concerns all of Europe. It is a question of European security and the right of every nation to choose its own allies," Karis said. "Ukraine has the sovereign right to decide on its own foreign and security policy -- including joining the European Union and NATO."

Karis considered recent positive decisions from Germany and other allies to be important.

The meeting was attended by the leaders of NATO's eastern flank and the Nordic countries, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The president will return to Estonia late on Monday evening.