The Estonian Minister of Defence stated: "Russia could potentially launch an attack on NATO. I am uncertain whether we are capable of deterring such actions by a reckless individual."

14 October 2026

EP

Estonia’s new defense minister discusses Russia’s threats, emphasizing preparedness, NATO unity, and strong support for Ukraine’s victory.

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[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

Martin Herem, Estonia’s new Minister of Defence and a career general who previously commanded the Estonian Defence Forces, discussed Russia’s potential aggression during an interview in Kyiv. He stated that while predicting a specific attack location is difficult, Russia aims to create instability and influence rather than outright occupation. Regarding NATO, he suggested Russia might test boundaries below Article Five to sow discord among allies. Herem emphasized that preparation is key for small countries, requiring strong self-defense capabilities, deep strike capability, and allied support, particularly concerning sea lines of communication. He highlighted the value of cooperation with Ukraine, noting that the drone deal provides not just technology but crucial knowledge in building defense systems. Furthermore, he asserted that Estonia will use any lessons learned from Ukraine’s defense efforts if Russia crosses its border. On hybrid threats, he argued they are designed to keep conflicts ongoing without direct military confrontation. Finally, Herem expressed a strong desire for Ukraine to win the war, stating that supporting Ukraine is based on shared values and not merely an effort to keep conflict away from Estonia or NATO allies.

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