NordenBladet —
Lieutenant General Martin Herem, Commander of the Estonian Defense Forces, met today in Ämari with General Mark A. Milley, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff , to discuss the security situation, strengthening NATO’s Eastern wing and ways to support Ukraine and end Putin’s war.
“All our discussions in recent days have focused on how to better help Ukraine and end this unjustified Russian aggression against an independent Ukrainian state, “said Lieutenant General Martin Herem, adding that although the threat of war in Estonia is low, the Allies are constantly monitoring the situation and ready to further support the region.
In Ämari, General Milley met with the leadership of the Estonian Defense Forces and the members of the U.S. military serving in Estonia.
“The United States military has deployed forces in support of NATO Allies and partners, to assure our commitment to NATO and deter Russian aggression” said Milley. “Our commitment to NATO is ironclad, and we will fulfill our duties and responsibilities as an Article 5 member.”
The Estonian Defense Forces has so far supported Ukraine with, among other things, missiles of anti-tank system Javelin, 122-millimeter howitzers, anti-tank mines, ammunition and food rations. Estonia will continue to provide both lethal and non-lethal military assistance to Ukraine.
Last week, the Commander of the Estonian Defense Forces met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson and NATO Allied Commander General Tod D. Wolters, Admiral Rob Bauer, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, and representatives of the NATO Multinational Corps Northeast and the Multinational Division North.
On February 24, the Russian Federation launched a full-scale military operation against Ukraine. This is a gross and unprovoked aggression against an independent state that violates international law. On the same day, the Allies decided to activate NATO Defense Plans, a proactive step to ensure that Allied forces and military capabilities are in place at the right time.
NATO and the United States have made strong decisions to strengthen security in the Baltic region. The US is stepping up deterrence in the Baltic and Polish regions by sending fifth-generation F-35 fighters, AH-64 assault helicopters and an 800-member unit to the Baltic Sea.
Source: Estonian Defence Forces