The potential contribution of Allies to Ukraine will not change or affect the presence of Allied forces in Estonia or, more broadly, in the Baltic Sea region. The UK-led NATO battlegroup continues to be stationed in Estonia, and preparations are underway for the first deployment of the UK reinforcement brigade to Estonia, said the Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.
"Currently, preliminary discussions are taking place among Allies regarding the possible deployment of European security assurance forces to Ukraine. Estonia is participating in these discussions, but no decisions have been made. The clear position of Estonia and many other European allies is that any potential European contribution must not impact NATO's defence and deterrence posture on its Eastern Flank. Allies, including the United Kingdom, have so far indicated that their possible contribution to Ukraine will not change or affect the presence of Allied forces in the Baltic Sea region. The UK-led NATO battlegroup continues to be stationed in Estonia, and preparations are ongoing for the first deployment of the UK reinforcement brigade to Estonia in May during Exercise Hedgehog (Siil)," said the Estonian Minister of Defence.
The UK permanent presence in Estonia with a battalion-sized battlegroup and the assignment of an additional UK brigade for the defence of Estonia have been agreed upon in the long-term at NATO summits and through the Estonia-UK defence cooperation agreement and roadmap. "Revisiting these agreements is certainly not on the agenda," Pevkur added.
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