Prince William is set to visit Estonia today to express support for the country and its troops stationed there. This two-day trip to the capital, Tallinn, is on behalf of the UK government and the Foreign Office. His visit comes at a significant time when Estonia is looking for reassurance about Britain’s commitment to its security, especially in light of ongoing tensions with Russia.
Estonia shares a long border with Russia, measuring 183 miles, and has been a strong ally of Ukraine throughout the conflict. The prince will meet with British troops who are part of NATO’s efforts to deter Russian aggression in the Baltic region. Around 900 British personnel are stationed in Estonia and Poland as part of Operation Cabrit, working alongside forces from Denmark, France, and Estonia.
During his visit, Prince William will travel to Tapa camp, located about 100 miles from the Russian border. There, he will learn how British troops are helping to strengthen NATO’s eastern defenses. This trip is particularly timely as discussions are underway about potential troop involvement in a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
On Thursday, the prince will engage with various organizations in Tallinn, including visiting the Freedom School. This school was established in May 2022 to support Ukrainian refugees, and it currently accommodates around 60,000 individuals. He will also meet with clean technology companies that are working on renewable energy solutions after the Baltic states recently disconnected from the Russian-controlled electricity grid.
Estonia is concerned about the possibility of Russia rearming and posing a threat again, which makes the presence of UK forces even more valuable. Prince William’s visit aims to reassure Estonians and emphasize the UK’s ongoing commitment to their safety and to the support of Ukraine.