US support for the Baltic states is unwavering, confirms the US defense minister

“Today, I want to tell the Estonian people one thing unequivocally – the United States still steadfastly supports the freedom and sovereignty of our Baltic allies.

We are united with you to deter and repel any threat to our common security,” Austin stressed at a press conference in Tallinn.

He assured that US support for Estonia’s security is provided without any conditions. As an example, Austin cited the permanent presence of a US contingent in Estonia and the deployment of High Mobility Artillery Missile Systems (HIMARS).

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shows that freedom cannot be taken for granted, the US defense minister emphasized, adding that Estonia knows this very well from its history.

Austin announced that the United States has fulfilled its promises to the Baltic states.

He reminded that before Russia’s repeated invasion of Ukraine, Washington had promised that the US forces would be in Estonia the day after the start of the war.

“And it was. And we were here first. We mean every word we say, and we will continue to fulfill our commitments,” Austin said, emphasizing the aid provided to Estonia.

“You have experienced direct aggression from the Kremlin, and now you have been a leader in aid to Ukraine. Given the size of the economy, Estonia’s military aid to Ukraine is greater than that of any other country in the world. You have made difficult decisions to help Ukrainians receive the support they need necessary for self-defense. That’s why I thank you for taking the lead. It’s a really shining example for other countries,” the US Defense Secretary praised Estonia.

During a one-day visit on Thursday, Austin met with Estonian Prime Minister Kai Kallas and Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur,

Austin and Pevkur participated in a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels on Wednesday, where they discussed support for Ukraine and strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense positions.