“We are not afraid of a Russian incursion. We have been here for centuries”
A life-size exercise, combining offensive and defensive maneuvers in the cold, snow and wind of the Baltic winter. However, in the Ukrainian context, these combats of tanks and infantrymen, at the gates of the Russian giant, could only take on a particular resonance. “We are well aware of what is happening in Ukraine but we are acting normally. We don’t see the need for the moment to increase our deployment”, underlines Colonel Merilo. However, if he is calm, his words are devoid of any naivety: “We understand that our neighbor can act aggressively and we are ready to counter any aggression on his part. »
” Get ready “
Only, faced with Russia, what could Estonia do? Admittedly, this country of 1.3 million inhabitants, which won its independence in 1991, thanks to the break-up of the USSR, has an army of 6,000 men and nearly 25,000 reservists. Nevertheless, faced with Moscow’s firepower, the balance of power remains unfavorable all along the line. But in 2016, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland, aware of their weakness, chose to strengthen their relationship with NATO. This enabled the Alliance to establish in these four countries “a reinforced forward presence”. In short: to deploy forces to the borders of Russia. But in a defensive and non-aggressive objective.
Thus, since 2017, the English and the French have been strengthening the Estonian defense. While the United Kingdom has troops here permanently, France alternates more or less short terms. In March, its Lynx detachment of 300 personnel will complete a one-year non-stop mission. And on the British side, as on the French side, we do not hide the fact that the objective is to be “ready”. “It’s the principle of deterrence,” recalls Colonel Eric Mauger, the commander of the entire French detachment in Estonia. In short: this Franco-British presence must be ready to retaliate. As proof, the French units sent to Estonia arrive with their ammunition. This “Winter camp” exercise is one more step in this strategic relationship. And, for this last day of maneuvers, it was the Estonians who… attacked.