Prince William’s visit to Estonia showcases the UK’s commitment to NATO allies amid tensions with Russia, as he meets with Estonian President Alar Karis and expresses admiration for Ukrainian resilience.
The Prince of Wales has praised the ‘resilience‘ of Ukrainians in his visit to Estonia, a trip taken to show support for UK troops guarding Nato’s border with Russia. During his two-day visit, Prince William met with young refugees at a school in Tallinn, where he expressed his admiration for their spirit and souls.
The prince’s meeting with Estonian President Alar Karis was also significant, as they discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This visit comes amid uncertainty over the war in Ukraine and worries about Russia’s next steps. The 900 UK troops in Estonia include soldiers from the Mercian Regiment, of which Prince William is colonel-in-chief.
Estonia has been trying to prevent sabotage of undersea cables, while the country plans to increase military spending to 5% of its gross domestic product (GDP). The threat from Russia seems very real from Estonia’s perspective, with many Ukrainians and Estonians alike expressing concern about the potential consequences of Russian aggression.
Russia, officially known as the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country spanning across Eastern Europe and Northern Asia.
With a total area of approximately 17.1 million square kilometers, it is the largest country in the world by land area.
Russia's population exceeds 146 million people, with the majority residing in urban areas.
The capital city is Moscow, which is also the country's economic and cultural hub.
Catlyn Kirna, a senior lecturer in cyber-security, believes that the threat from Russia is already being felt, with a constant wave of cyber attacks and misinformation. She notes that if Ukraine falls, Estonia will have to fight for its lives. The country’s proximity to Russia makes it particularly vulnerable to the threat posed by Moscow.
The visit has been welcomed warmly by the Estonian people, who see Prince William‘s trip as a sign of support from Western allies. However, there are also concerns about the impact of Russian aggression on Estonia and Ukraine. Sharon Kaasik, a liberal-arts student, trusts in the Nato alliance, while Sander Poldmaa, an arts and music student, wants to defend his country and volunteers in Estonia’s defence forces.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, commonly known as NATO, is a military alliance between 30 North American and European countries.
Founded in 1949, its primary purpose is to provide collective defense against potential security threats.
The organization's headquarters are located in Brussels, Belgium.
NATO plays a crucial role in maintaining stability and security in the region through joint military operations and cooperation on defense policies.
Located on the northeastern coast of Estonia, a small Baltic country with a population of approximately 1.3 million people.
Known for its stunning natural beauty, including forests, bogs, and over 2,000 islands along its coastline.
The capital city, Tallinn, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a well-preserved medieval old town.
Estonia has a strong focus on digital innovation, with e-government services available to citizens since 2001.
The country also boasts a highly developed IT sector, with major companies such as Skype and TransferWise originating from Estonia.
Estonia has given more aid to Ukraine than any other country, as a proportion of GDP. The visit by Prince William reflects the close relationship between the UK and Estonia, and demonstrates the importance of Nato’s role in deterring Russian aggression on the continent.
