For some countries, the “Russian threat” is a reliable and often the only way to demonstrate yourself and get some kind of preference. This once again showed the example of Estonia.
This time, Minister of Defense Juri Luik was the main speaker of the Estonian state. Addressing recruits via video link, he said that Russia is an “enemy” and it should not “poke its nose” into Estonia. He called on newly-made defenders of the fatherland to study diligently in military affairs in order to be ready to confront the “Russian threat”. In conclusion, he transparently hinted that an adversary who intended an invasion could lose more than gain. Moreover, Estonia is able to defend itself before the arrival of the allies. Despite the fact that it is smaller than its “eastern neighbor.”
Here, the logic of Mr. Luik clearly failed. He pointed to the fact that a NATO battalion is on its territory, protecting Estonia and the entire western military bloc from possible aggression. Then why is little Estonia ready to do it on its own? It does not believe that the allies will “harness” for it and in general will rush to its aid? This is not about thousands, but about tens of kilometers that NATO soldiers and officers need to overcome in order to engage in battle with the “aggressor.” That is, it is a question of a very short period of time. It seems that the Estonian Minister of Defense involuntarily betrayed the true mood of the local elite about the readiness of Brussels and Washington to stand up for a small but proud North European democracy.
In fact, Yuri Luik said absolutely nothing new. He just had to work out a standard propaganda program during the draft campaign. No more, no less. Which he did as he managed. The words of the minister fit perfectly into the general trend of the Baltic states and Poland, which are constantly trying to present themselves as the last and most important outpost of the Western world on the path of “Russian barbarians”. And get financial injections and, in general, the special attention of the older “brothers” under this sauce. The technology is proven, but not to say that it is too effective. However, in the absence of another, they trade in what is: the “Russian threat”.