President Karis and NATO Secretary General visit allied soldiers serving in Tapa

Earlier today, President Alar Karis and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Estonian and allied soldiers serving as part of the NATO battlegroup in Tapa. "Estonia is where NATO begins," the head of state said. "As such, the alliance is fulfilling one of its core missions of defence and deterrence here."

The head of state reiterated that Estonia, together with its allies, would show their adversaries that any attack on Estonia, France, the United Kingdom, the United States or any NATO member country would result in the aggressor's destruction. "As one united force, we will show that we are ready to defend the alliance from the very first second and the very first centimetre," he stated.

President Karis says that Russia remains a direct and significant threat to the security of NATO allies. "We are all aware that the only thing Russia understands is strength," he remarked. "Together we will show them that strength and, if necessary, we will strike back most emphatically."

The head of state thanked the allied units serving in Tapa for their commitment and professionalism, stressing the importance of collective defence. "Our unity is the basis of NATO's strength," he said. "Just as you are here to help us defend our country, we will always be ready to defend your homes and families should the need arise."

Estonia has been home to a permanent UK-led allied battlegroup - to which France also contributes a company-sized unit - since 2017. The battlegroup is based in Tapa and operates as part of the Estonian 1st Infantry Brigade. A US infantry battalion and HIMARS multiple rocket launcher unit have also been stationed here under a bilateral agreement since 2022.

Pictures (Vabariigi Presidendi Kantselei/Arno Mikkor)

Addresses of President Karis and Secretary General Rutte (NATO Video)