Estonia ready to send troops to Ukraine as part of "deterrence force" initiative

Estonia is prepared to send several hundred troops to Ukraine as part of a potential multinational "deterrence force" led by France and the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Kristen Michal (Reform) announced on April 30.

In a press release, Michal confirmed that Estonia could contribute a company-sized unit, typically comprising around 150 soldiers, to support Ukraine through security guarantees and ceasefire enforcement efforts, Caliber.Az reports per Estonian media.

"This would include a combat unit, training instructors, and staff officers," Michal said, adding, "Before deploying the unit, we will, of course, seek a mandate from the Riigikogu."

Michal reiterated his longstanding support for Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, while stressing the need for immediate interim measures.

"If NATO membership takes time, deterrence and defence measures must be ensured through allied forces based on the ground in Ukraine," he stated. "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."

The proposal is tied to an emerging "coalition of the willing" spearheaded by the UK and France, which envisions a 20-nation deployment to Ukraine if a ceasefire agreement is reached. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has insisted on U.S. involvement and emphasised the mission would serve as a "reassurance force" rather than a traditional "peacekeeping force".

Defence and diplomatic sources told the BBC that the mission, unlike UN or NATO peacekeeping operations, would take Ukraine’s side and be focused on deterring future Russian aggression rather than impartial oversight.

Although the ground force is expected to total around 20,000 troops, it would "not be big enough to enforce any peace." Early plans suggested deployments to protect key infrastructure, but The Times recently reported a possible shift toward positioning troops in Western Ukraine.

Despite questions over whether a credible force can be assembled, especially amid reluctance from countries like Poland, which argues it is already a frontline state, Estonia’s commitment signals growing momentum.

In March, Michal had indicated Estonia would consider joining if other allies made similar moves. Currently, only one opposition party in Estonia is fully backing the initiative.

Concerns that the UK might withdraw forces from NATO’s eastern flank, including Estonia, have been dismissed by British Secretary of State for Defence John Healey.

While the U.S. has tabled a 30-day ceasefire proposal, Russia has yet to accept the terms.

By Aghakazim Guliyev