Tallinn (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Estonia’s Prime Minister Kristen Michal says US President Donald Trump has made it clear he will defend Poland and the Baltic states against Russian threats.
As reported by The Telegraph, Estonia expressed confidence that President Trump would defend it against Russia.
What did Kristen Michal say about Donald Trump protecting the Baltics?
During an interview, Kristen Michal said Donald Trump clearly outlined his stance after Russian airspace incursions over Estonia last week.
He said,
“I would say Donald Trump made it quite clear yesterday and the day before, when he was on the news everywhere, saying he will protect Poland and the Baltics.”
The prime minister confirmed his government had been in contact with Washington, adding that the US message to Russia at the UN General Assembly was “quite clear.”
When asked about reports of White House frustration with Tallinn, Mr Michal said Moscow was to blame.
He added,
“Estonians are very calm people. But Estonians, Latvians, Lithuanians, Finns, Swedes – everybody knows Russia, and the UK [does too]. So the problem is Russia, not our willingness to protect ourselves.”
The prime minister said Estonia would avoid any unilateral actions that might spark conflict with Russia.
Mr Michal said, “We feel everything is working well at the NATO level,” praising Italian F-35 jets that intercepted Russian MiG-31s last Friday.
He added, “If necessary, NATO can take action, but it must follow NATO’s parameters,” noting the limits were discussed in the North Atlantic Council on Tuesday, September 23.
The prime minister commended the UK for strong cooperation and said NATO could commit to boosting the capabilities of its Estonian deployment.
He said,
“That can mean planes, that can mean different kinds of capabilities on land.”
The prime minister declined to comment on whether NATO should revise its procedures in response to Russia’s recent aggression.
Mr Michal added,
“Who will do what at a certain moment is for Saceur [NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe] and the North Atlantic Council to talk about. I have utmost confidence in NATO and all the Nato allies.”
Speaking to reporters, he stressed that Tallinn must make trade-offs to reach its defense targets.
The prime minister said the investment could boost the economy, adding,
“We don’t want to be in this position, we don’t want to be spending 5 per cent of GDP on defence. You can imagine what that will mean to society, you will have to push everything else smaller.”
What did Donald Trump say about defending Poland and the Baltics against Russia?
The US is bound by NATO’s Article 5 to respond to attacks on Estonia, which shares a 183-mile frontier with Russia.
When asked on the White House lawn if he would protect Poland and the Baltic states from Russian aggression, Mr Trump responded, “I would.”
Referring to recent tensions, he said, “We don’t like it,” pointing to Russian drones hitting Poland and MiG-31 jets crossing into Estonia.
Earlier this year, President Trump suggested the US might not take decisive action against Moscow, citing “numerous definitions of Article 5” and committing only “to being their friend.”
Speaking in New York with Ukraine’s President Zelensky, he supported direct action, saying “Yes, I do” when asked if NATO should shoot down Russian aircraft crossing borders.
Mr Trump said US support for the Baltics “depends on the circumstances,” but added, “we’re very strong toward NATO.”
Under Mr Trump’s “America First” policy, the White House is shifting US defense to focus on domestic security over challenges from China or Russia.
What steps have Estonian MPs taken to secure continued US support?
Estonian officials fear that Washington may not come to their aid if Russia launches an attack.
Concerns intensified this month after reports that the US plans to phase out two security packages supporting European armies along Russia’s border.
MPs from Estonia wrote to Congress to urge continuation of the Baltic Security Initiative, which has provided $1.6bn to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania over the past five years.
NATO’s stance on defending its borders against Russian jets
Under the Baltic Air Policing Mission, NATO jets, including the UK’s F-35s, regularly patrol Estonia. Operation Eastern Sentry was initiated to strengthen the alliance’s eastern flank after drone incursions into Poland.
The alliance stated that Russian jets might be targeted if they crossed borders, while avoiding an explicit threat.
In a statement, they added,
“Russia should be in no doubt. NATO and Allies will employ… all necessary military and non-military tools to defend ourselves. Our commitment to Article 5 is ironclad.”
Estonia’s plan to become NATO’s top defense spender
By 2029, Estonia aims to increase defense spending to 5.4% of GDP, making it the highest NATO spender relative to its economy.
The country has added US-made Himars rockets to its arsenal and continues to invest in ammunition and air defense capabilities..
Tallinn currently lacks fighter jets but plans to acquire advanced Iris-T air defense systems by year’s end.
Key facts about the Ukraine-Russia war
The conflict began in late February 2014, with hundreds of thousands killed, though estimates vary widely.
From April 2014 to February 2022, around 14,200–14,400 people died, including Ukrainian forces, pro-Russian separatists, and civilians.