Discussing the security of the Baltic States and Poland, the heads of state pointed out the recent violations of their airspace by Russia, emphasising the need to strengthen the alliance’s defence cooperation. “There is more than just a military dimension to reinforcing the eastern flank,” President Karis remarked. “It has a political dimension and that of a deterrent, too. It will reassure our allies – and demonstrate to our adversaries – that NATO’s collective defence is effective.”
Speaking about support for Ukraine, the head of state stressed that in addition to defence support, clear prospects in regard to EU accession must also be offered to the beleaguered country. “Ukraine’s place is in Europe,” he stated. “Our support for its integration must be as steadfast as our support for shoring up its defence capabilities.”
President Karis joined his Latvian and Lithuanian counterparts on a Concordia Summit panel on the security of NATO’s eastern flank, pressure on Russia and the importance of transatlantic cooperation. “Russia violating Estonia’s airspace is nothing new, but it has now occurred in a much more tense geopolitical situation, and at the same time as a number of similar incidents in our region,” he noted. “It shows that air defence must be a priority for NATO along the entirety of its eastern flank.”
The head of state says that Russia is employing a variety of tension-building elements – a shadow fleet, targeted migration and cyber attacks – and that its airspace violations form part of the same pattern. “To keep Russia away from our borders, we need to bolster our air security, and more than that, enhance our air defence,” he added.
The panel also saw discussion of contributions to NATO’s defence plans, and underscored the importance of transatlantic relations. “The USA needs Europe, and Europe needs the USA,” President Karis stated. “Our need to work together is mutual.”
Gallery (Office of the President of the Republic/Raigo Pajula): https://www.flickr.com/photos/presidendikantselei/albums/72177720329192797/
