President Karis: Estonia's strength is born when everyone sees their role in national defense
In his Victory Day speech, Estonian President Alar Karis called on every citizen to recognize their part in national defense, highlighting the country's defense achievements over the past five years and the importance of unity.
Speaking in Rapla on Victory Day, Estonian President Alar Karis reminded the nation that Estonia is everyone's home, and defending it is natural. He quoted Ukrainian guests who told him: "Our country is not always perfect. But it is ours."
Karis acknowledged global security concerns but stressed that Estonia has made significant progress in the last five years. With cross-party agreement, defense spending increased from 2% to 5% of GDP. This has funded essential weapons, ammunition, and new capabilities, as well as strengthened borders, maritime security, and air defense.
The president noted that allies now view Russia as Estonia always has. Finland and Sweden joined NATO, the alliance has defense plans, and the British brigade knows Estonia's forests. He thanked troops from the UK, France, and the US permanently stationed in Estonia, as well as Italian and Portuguese air crews who safeguarded Estonian airspace last year.
On energy security, Karis highlighted the end of dependence on Russian energy and the connection of the electricity grid to continental Europe. He emphasized that national defense includes civil protection, crisis readiness, and essential services, with cooperation between the Defense Forces, rescue services, police, local governments, businesses, and communities.
"The more we talk about national defense, the stronger our readiness becomes. Even heated debate is a sign of strength in a free country," Karis said. He mentioned future challenges in unmanned systems and countermeasures, including work with Ukrainians.
The president thanked both uniformed defenders—soldiers, Defense League members, police, border guards, rescue workers—and those without uniforms: teachers, entrepreneurs, scientists, and volunteers who keep communities running. "A home is not defended only by the one standing at the gate. A home is also defended by those who keep it warm," he said.
Concluding, Karis wished everyone a happy Victory Day and Midsummer, urging care for families, loved ones, and home. "Estonia is ours. And may it always remain free."
