A contingent of Welsh troops stationed in Estonia has stated that they are “ready” to dissuade and protect the country against a future Russian invasion.
There is a 1,200-strong NATO training taskforce led by the Royal Welsh Regiment in Estonia, which borders Russia.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Estonia’s permanent defense secretary, Kusti Salm, stated the threat from Russia was “as apparent as anything can be.”
He requested that NATO increase the number of troops stationed in Afghanistan.
Mr. Putin’s administration may deploy hybrid warfare, including cyber-attacks, against Estonians, Estonian President Alar Karis warned earlier this week.
According to Lt Col Ru Streatfeild, the troops in Tapa, near the Russian border, are ready to take on any challenge “head on.”
Asked him, “What do you mean?” “We’re here to discourage and to be ready to protect ourselves..
“Whatever the case may be, we are prepared. What this exercise is all about, and it’s given our employees a sense of confidence, is that we’re ready to take on the world.”
An attack drill involving ground soldiers, tanks, armored vehicles, and aircraft from the United Kingdom, France, Denmark, and Estonia was granted to BBC Wales’ Newyddion S4C.
A Gwynedd fusillier, Jack Wilkes, is likewise certain that the existing force can handle any potential danger to the east.
He said, “At any given moment, you must be professional and ready to move. We may be, I believe. With the help of the lads, I’m convinced that we’d be able to withstand a Russian onslaught.”
In order to protect Estonia from any potential danger from its neighbor, Mr. Salm argued that more troops should be stationed in the nation.
I believe this is what NATO needs to do in order face the challenge from Russia,” he told BBC Wales, alleging Russia has “made no secret of their ambition to eventually demolish NATO”.
It’s frustrating to be an observer of events in Ukraine, said Rhydian Stephens, a 23-year-old soldier, but he believed his duty in Estonia was critical.
“Obviously, we aren’t in the position to make such judgments, but we are keeping an eye on the news and trying to figure out how we can help. We enlisted in the military to provide assistance, and that’s exactly what we want to accomplish.
While we’re here in Estonia, “clearly” we need to be.
