At the Summit of NATO Eastern Flank and Nordic countries in Bucharest, President Alar Karis stressed that the goal of all allies allocating 5% of GDP to defence spending must become a reality as soon as possible.

“This is necessary for implementing our defence plans and ensuring the credibility of our deterrence and defence,” said President Karis.

The meeting focused primarily on the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara. According to President Karis, its central objective is to maintain Allied unity and a strong transatlantic relationship with the United States at a time when Europe’s security environment demands greater determination and defence capabilities from the Alliance.

“Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defence. The foundation of our security is every Ally’s commitment to NATO and Article 5,” said the Estonian Head of State.

According to President Karis, Estonia’s priorities for the Ankara Summit are clear: achieving the defence spending level agreed at The Hague, recognizing Russia as NATO’s greatest and long-term threat, and ensuring the continuation of long-term political and military support for Ukraine.

The President noted that an important part of this effort is NATO’s integrated air and missile defence plan, as well as maintaining the Allied presence on NATO’s eastern flank.

“The presence of Allies in our region is of critical importance for the security of the entire Alliance,” he added.

President Karis stated that Russia remains NATO’s greatest and long-term threat.

“Russia has not abandoned its imperialist ambitions and continues to test Allies through acts of sabotage and hybrid attacks. We must speak clearly about this threat and act to deter and counter it,” said the Head of State.

During the meeting, President Karis reaffirmed Estonia’s continued comprehensive support for Ukraine.

“We consider it our duty not only to talk about supporting Ukraine but also to demonstrate that support through concrete actions,” said President Karis.

“Estonia will continue providing military assistance to Ukraine amounting to at least 0.25% of GDP. This includes more than €100 million worth of products from Estonia’s defence industry, including the delivery of drones and counter-drone systems to Ukraine in 2026.”

President Karis emphasized that Ukraine’s membership in NATO is essential for European security and that the Alliance must continue its long-term support for Ukraine.

“Ukraine’s membership in NATO remains the strongest security guarantee for Ukraine and would also strengthen the Alliance,” said the Estonian President.

In Bucharest, NATO leaders also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“For Europe, now is the right time to act ambitiously and decisively to firmly anchor Ukraine in our political, economic and security structures. Europe must act boldly and in accordance with its principles,” President Karis added.

According to the President of the Republic, Russia’s war against Ukraine is a fundamental issue for all of Europe.

“This war challenges the foundations of European security: respect for territorial integrity, the inviolability of borders, and every country's right to choose its own allies,” he said.

The meeting also addressed the situation in the Persian Gulf region and its impact on international security and the global economy.

“Further escalation must be avoided, and the Allies’ common course of action must remain strong. Russia and Iran must not be allowed to benefit from regional instability,” said President Karis.

The Head of State also confirmed Estonia’s readiness to contribute, including through military capabilities, to help restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Photos: Raigo Pajula / Office of the President of the Republic https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCTEGK