NATO Secretary General Visits Tallinn for Estonian Independence Day

Estonia (Washington Insider Magazine) – NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited Tallinn, Estonia, on February 24, 2023, to commemorate Estonian Independence Day alongside Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Key Events & Highlights:

• Flag-Hoisting Ceremony: Held at the Governor’s Garden of Toompea Castle.
• Tribute to Estonia’s War of Independence: Wreath-laying at the Victory Column in Freedom Square.
• Military Parade: Featured Estonian Defence Forces, NATO battlegroups, and Ukrainian troops training in Estonia.
• Press Conference: Stoltenberg emphasized NATO’s unwavering commitment to Estonia and Ukraine.

NATO’s Message:

• Support for Ukraine: Stoltenberg praised Estonia’s military aid leadership, stating, “Estonia provides more aid as a share of GDP than any other country.”
• Deterrence & Defense: He reaffirmed NATO’s Article 5 commitment, vowing to defend every inch of Allied territory.
• Putin’s Failure: “Ukraine stands. NATO and the EU stand with Ukraine,” Stoltenberg declared, marking one year since Russia’s invasion.