Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister of Estonia, said in an interview for the Financial Times that some NATO countries have already sent their instructors to Ukraine to train the Ukrainian military, reported by Hromadske.
As the Prime Minister of Estonia reported, the countries that sent their instructors to Ukraine did so “at their own peril and risk”. In addition, she believes that if Russian forces strike foreign personnel, this will not automatically trigger Article 5 of the NATO Mutual Defense Treaty.
“I can’t imagine that if someone gets hurt there (in Ukraine — ed.), those who sent their people will say: “This is Article 5. Let’s bomb Russia.” It doesn’t work that way”, — Kaja Kallas said.
In her opinion, fears that the sending of foreign instructors will lead to a war between NATO and Russia are unfounded. Because if Russia wants to attack an Alliance country, it will do it.
“Russia’s propaganda boils down to a war with NATO, so they don’t need excuses. No matter what we do from our side, if they want to attack, they will attack”, — the Estonian premier added.
Kaja Kallas said that in order for their country to send its instructors to Ukraine, a decision of the Parliament of Estonia is needed. There is currently a discussion about this. But according to the Prime Minister, they “shouldn’t rule anything out”.
What preceded this decision?
The American publication Breaking Defense, citing the national security adviser of the Estonian president, Madis Roll, reported that the Estonian government is “seriously” discussing the possibility of sending troops to the western regions of Ukraine to replace Ukrainian soldiers who can go to the front.
According to Madis Roll, Estonia would prefer any such move within the framework of a full NATO mission, in order to “demonstrate broader combined strength and resolve.” But Estonia can also act as part of a smaller coalition.
Later, according to public broadcaster ERR, Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur denied this information, explaining that this idea did not find support either in Estonia or in the European Union. According to Pevkur, their priority is to send ammunition to Ukraine and conduct training in other countries.
