Some NATO countries have already sent their instructors to Ukraine, says Estonian prime minister

According to Kallas, the countries that sent their personnel to Ukraine did so "at their own risk." She believes that if Russian troops attack foreign personnel, this will not automatically trigger Article 5 on NATO’s mutual defense clause.

"I can’t possibly imagine that if somebody is hurt there, then those who have sent their people will say ‘it’s Article 5. Let’s . . . bomb Russia.’ It is not how it works," said the Estonian premier.

Therefore, in her opinion, fears that such a step will lead to a NATO war with Russia are unfounded, because if Russia wants to attack an Alliance country, then it will do it.

"Russia’s propaganda is all about being in a war with Nato, so they don’t need an excuse. Whatever we do on our side . . . if they want to attack, they will attack," says Kallas.

She adds that in order for Estonia to send its instructors to Ukraine, a decision of the country's parliament is needed. Now there is a discussion about this, however, according to the prime minister, they "shouldn't rule out anything."

Background

The American outlet Breaking Defense, citing the national security adviser of the Estonian president, Madis Roll, reported that the Estonian government is "seriously" discussing the possibility of sending its troops to the western regions of Ukraine to replace the Ukrainian military, who will instead be able to go to the front.

According to Roll, Estonia would like to take such a step as part of a full-fledged NATO mission "to show broader combined strength and determination", but Estonia can also do this as part of a smaller coalition of countries.

Later, Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur denied this information, explaining that the idea of sending troops to Ukraine did not find support either in Estonia or in the European Union.