Sending Estonian soldiers to Ukraine
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, information briefing
Date: 2024-10-09 15:37
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 13
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 9m
AI Summaries: 13/13 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The fourth question to the Riigikogu concerned the possible deployment of Estonian soldiers to Ukraine. The questioner, Rain Epler, pointed out that the discussion primarily involves forms of training and assistance, not the deployment of a direct brigade-sized unit, and emphasized that the topic is linked to both logistics and security concerns. Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur explained that Estonia's position has not changed in recent months: they are prepared to consider various ways to assist Ukraine, but the government has mainly focused on training and education, and the deployment of large units has not been part of the current discussion. It was clarified that coordination is taking place with allies, and any refinements to plans are within frameworks consistent with allied directives and mandates, with a primary focus on the continuation of the EUMAM and Interflex missions. Extensive discussion and clarifications indicated that no decisions have yet been made, and the final outcomes of available options depend on further consultations from the perspective of both government and parliamentary mandates.
Decisions Made 1
No specific decisions were made. A fruitful discussion showed that Estonia's position and potential actions are being considered broadly, and further decisions depend on consultations with allies and clarifying the parliament's mandate.
Most Active Speaker
The most active participant was Rain Epler, a member of the Riigikogu. His involvement was evident through several clarifying questions and discussions; his interest and active participation in the discussion were highlighted. Position: other.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Riigikogu member Rain Epler is asking about sending Estonian soldiers to Ukraine, and Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur is responding to the question.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler stressed that Estonia is considering sending its soldiers to Western Ukraine for a training mission, but before a decision is made, the logistics and security must be assessed, and cooperation with NATO partners must be established. He also wants the Riigikogu and the public to know how far the discussions have progressed and what the plans entail.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that Estonia's position on assisting Ukraine remains unchanged, and we are prepared to consider various options. However, discussions among allies regarding the training of a brigade-sized unit have stalled, while the training of smaller units is considered safe. Furthermore, instruction and training are currently being carried out in Poland under the EUMAM mission and in the United Kingdom under the Interflex mission, with Estonian soldiers providing the training to Ukrainians.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks [the previous speaker] and asks Rain Epler to pose a clarifying question.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler emphasizes that the topic was addressed in the interview and references are available, and invites [them] to his office for the most concrete discussion possible on the matter, citing the deployment of a brigade-sized unit as an important and undoubtedly agreeable objective.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur confirms that he has no problem opening it.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Over the past month or six weeks, the government has been seriously debating whether and when to send anything, and what size units were being discussed.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar submits a request to the minister.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that the government has not discussed the deployment of a brigade-sized unit in recent months, and Estonia's position remains unchanged. He noted that training large units is highly problematic, but training smaller units is feasible, and discussions remain open, even though the topic has not currently advanced among the allies.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the previous speaker and asked Varro Vooglaid for an additional question.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid emphasizes that Estonia's position on the Ukraine issue is not clear, and he demands concrete answers regarding how many defense forces personnel will be sent to or trained in Ukraine, what the implications of this will be, and whether the decisions will be made by the government or presented to the parliament for resolution.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that the government has not discussed the issue in recent months and has no plans to discuss it in the near future. While the topic remains relevant in the responses received from allies, there is currently no active discussion, primarily because France is undergoing a governmental transition. The EUMAM and Interflex missions are continuing, and Estonia has not received any supplementary requests concerning them. He added that all decision-making mandates are clearly defined in law—specifically, the mandates of the Parliament and the Government of the Republic—which the Ministry of Defense strictly follows.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the Minister of Defence and concludes the consideration of today's fourth question.