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Estonia Boosts Defense Spending Amid NATO Readiness Concerns

4/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur expressed confidence in United States (U.S.) support against a Russian attack.
He warned Europe lacks military readiness to confront Moscow independently.
Pevkur said NATO members miss the 5% GDP defense target, and Estonia will spend 5.1% in 2026.
He compared NATO's challenges to a long marriage, urging unity and investment.
Pevkur added that resolving the Iran conflict could redirect U.S. focus to Ukraine.

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Story summary

Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur expressed confidence in United States (U.S.) support against a Russian attack.
He warned Europe lacks military readiness to confront Moscow independently.
Pevkur said NATO members miss the 5% GDP defense target, and Estonia will spend 5.1% in 2026.
He compared NATO's challenges to a long marriage, urging unity and investment.
Pevkur added that resolving the Iran conflict could redirect U.S. focus to Ukraine.