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Pevkur at the meeting with the UK House of Commons Defence Committee: Russia's military reform must be a wake-up call for all Allies

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Defence

10. February 2025 - 18:25

At today's meeting between Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur and the UK House of Commons Defence Committee delegation, discussions focused on the conventional military threat posed by Russia, associated hybrid threats, and military aid to Ukraine. Minister Pevkur underscored the critical role of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) in strengthening security in the Baltic Sea region, including within NATO's broader deterrence activities.

"Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has given us valuable insight into its military capabilities and strategic intentions. Once this war ends, Russia will retain a large number of combat-experienced soldiers eager to remain in the military, and its ongoing military reforms indicate an expanding Red Army at our borders. That is why strengthening our collective defence is critically important. I hope that Russia's plans in NATO's immediate neighborhood serve as a wake-up call for all Allies, reinforcing the need for increased defence investments. Only strength and unity can effectively deter Russia," Pevkur stated.

"Even amid a full-scale war, Russia continues to carry out hybrid attacks across Europe, seeking to destabilize Western Allies and shift focus away from Ukraine. Hybrid attacks are currently one of the Kremlin's main tools against the West and must be considered part of the conventional war threat posed by the Russian Federation," he added.

"I would like to thank the United Kingdom for initiating Nordic Warden in response to recent attacks on critical undersea infrastructure. Both Nordic Warden and Baltic Sentry operations demonstrate the Allies' determination in addressing hybrid threats and ensuring rapid deterrence capabilities," Pevkur stated.

As part of their visit to Estonia, the UK House of Commons Defence Committee delegation will also visit the British battalion of NATO's Battlegroup stationed in Tapa, within 1st Infantry Brigade, and meet with the Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, Major General Andrus Merilo.