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Estonians worried about the future of Ukraine and the region

2024-12-18 17:07:14, Kosova & Bota CNA

US President-elect Donald Trump's promise to quickly end the war in Ukraine is causing concern among Russia's neighbors. As Voice of America correspondent Ricardo Marquina reports from Estonia's border with Russia, some in Estonia fear that an agreement to end the war could strengthen Moscow.

Officers from the Estonian, British and French armies watch the border with Russia from the Estonian region of Narva, a sign of a silent confrontation reminiscent of a bygone era.

Less silent are the maneuvers that these three NATO members are carrying out in Estonia and which aim to prepare for any possible ground intervention by Moscow's forces.

"This is Estonian land, it's their territory, they need to know that we will fight for them wherever they need to be on their land," British Army Major Chris Pyman told VOA.

Estonia has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine and has its own concerns about Russia's intentions. Those concerns have grown following reports citing advisers to US President-elect Donald Trump as saying privately and publicly that they are considering plans that include peace in exchange for territorial concessions in Ukraine.

President-elect Trump's team has distanced itself from these claims. However, the announcements have raised concerns among Estonian officials.

"From our perspective, certainly if Ukraine cannot enter the negotiations from a position of strength and Russia is able to gain territory, it will set a very bad precedent in terms of European security and will further encourage Moscow to take other steps in Europe to challenge NATO," Liis Mure, defense adviser at the Estonian embassy in Washington, told VOA during a visit to her country.

Estonia is a major contributor to NATO, spending 3.43 percent of its Gross Domestic Product on the alliance, and its leaders support President-elect Trump's call for NATO members to increase their contributions.

On the streets of Tallinn, Mr Trump's promises to end the war in Ukraine are causing mixed reactions.

"I heard that they might cut some of the funds going to Ukraine, which is really worrying," says student Mariana Nogma.

"I hope he will stop the war and relations between our countries will improve and not worsen," says Tina Sorokina, a factory worker.

"I don't think he will make a big difference. Because he can talk a lot about it, but I don't think he can stop Putin from conquering," says musician Otto Tamkiri.

On both sides of the border between Estonia and Russia, there are big questions about what 2025 and the new US administration will bring about the war in Ukraine and the future of Russia's other neighbors./ VOA