Estonian defense minister compares risks and benefits of troop movements to Ukraine

Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur has compared the risks of sending troops to Ukraine with the benefits and urged allies not to do so. This was reported by The Hill on Monday, November 25.

"European leaders are reportedly discussing whether to send troops to Ukraine for training and assistance <...> However, Pevcourt said the risks of such a move outweigh the benefits, even as Ukraine faces personnel shortages and struggles to maintain morale," the publication said.

On that day, Le Monde reported that discussions in Europe about sending troops to Ukraine had resumed. According to the newspaper, these discussions have even "strengthened" in recent weeks, particularly thanks to the visit to France by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Nov. 11.

Macron has repeatedly said that he does not rule out the possible sending of military personnel. Back in May, he said that a condition for this would be a request from Kiev or a breakthrough of Russian troops on the front. According to him, the caution of European countries would "push Russia into an offensive." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called such talk very dangerous.

Western countries have stepped up military and financial support for Ukraine amid Russia's special operation to defend Donbass, which was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, after the situation in the region worsened due to shelling by the Ukrainian military.