Kaja Kallas, the head of the Estonian government, called a government sitting in the morning of Monday, February 14, to receive the latest information on the regional security situation and the preparedness of Estonian institutions, public broadcaster ERR reports.
Indrek Sirp heads the security and defence coordination in the government office. He noted that that Estonia has long been monitoring developments on Ukraine’s borders and has been in close exchange of information with its military allies. The official pointed out: «Since the situation has intensified in recent days, we will be providing the members of the government with an updated overview of the threat of a Russian attack on Ukraine».
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Despite there not being a direct military threat to Estonia, Sirp added, any escalation of Russian military action such as an incursion into Ukrainian territory would have consequences for Estonia and for the whole of Europe. The areas of a particular indirect effect would be cyber security, internal security and potential influx of refugees from Ukraine.
Last Friday, February 11, the Estonian Foreign Ministry called on Estonian nationals in Ukraine to return home as soon as possible. Diplomats also advised against all non-essential travel to the country, ERR reports.