“They can enter to Tallinn in 4 hours”. Estonia is afraid of Russia … – TVP

According to Ilves in the face of Russia’s war rhetoric, staying temporarily in Estonia’s 150-strong contingent of US troops would be an understatement. He admitted that his country feels threatened because of the frequent practice of Russian troops at its borders.

In an interview with the British newspaper the president stressed that NATO had enough time to see that the security environment has changed since 1997, when the Alliance committed itself at the outset of the NATO-Russia Council that it will not permanently deploy significant forces fighting in their new Member States.

– 150 soldiers it is not much and that is why we believe that the continued stationing of forces with a greater abundance is only reasonable – Ilves said, adding that at least one brigade of NATO forces should be stationed permanently in Estonia.

Picket not enough?

– We have Russian classes held right outside our borders, involving 40-80 thousand. soldiers. However, we are accused of escalating tensions (…), and Russia says it will have to take measures – noted the President of Estonia.

In his view, the creation of a new rapid reaction force, the so-called. szpicy, in order to strengthen the eastern flank of the Alliance, is a very good idea, but may not be sufficient; troops to be ready for action within 48 hours.

Ilves said that the Russian troops located near the border with Estonia could within four hours to get to Tallinn. Estonia has a permanent army of only 5300 soldiers.