Prime Minister Kristen Michal (Reform) said on Wednesday that Estonia is prepared to send several hundred soldiers to Ukraine as part of the "coalition of the willing" "deterrence force" proposal led by France and the UK, APA reports citing err.ee news.
Michal said in a press release that Estonia can contribute a company-sized unit to provide security guarantees to Ukraine and help enforce a future ceasefire.
This would include a combat unit, training instructors, and staff officers.
A company ranges from 50 to 250 soldiers, and tends to average 150.
"Before deploying the unit, we will, of course, seek a mandate from the Riigikogu," Michal added.
The prime minister reiterated that the best way to guarantee Ukraine's security is through NATO membership.
"If NATO membership takes time, deterrence and defense measures must be ensured through allied forces based on the ground in Ukraine," he said in the statement.
"Ukraine's security is Europe's security. An independent, sovereign Ukraine that belongs to the European family is the best strategic guarantee against Moscow's imperialism for all of us. We must show that we are capable of taking action, not just having good ideas," Michal added.
The prime minister said last month that if allies send troops to Ukraine, Estonia would look at doing the same. At the time, ERR reported that only one opposition party fully supported Michal's proposal to send troops to Ukraine.
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