NATO will not collapse and US will defend its allies, Estonian minister says

Lead

Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur has expressed unwavering confidence that the United States would defend its NATO allies in the event of a Russian attack, even as the alliance faces internal strains and questions about its future. In an interview with Reuters in Vilnius on Thursday, Pevkur dismissed concerns that NATO might collapse, citing the mutual dependency between Europe and the US.

"Yes, I trust the US, and yes, I trust all our allies," Pevkur said. He argued that the US needs Europe for its military as much as Europe needs the US, adding, "I don't believe that NATO will collapse."

His comments come at a time when NATO is grappling with significant challenges, including reports that US President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw the US from the alliance over European members' refusal to send ships to unblock the Strait of Hormuz near Iran. The alliance was also rattled by Trump's plans to take over Greenland from Denmark, a NATO ally.

Coverage Comparison

Coverage of this story has come from two distinct sources: Deutsche Welle and the Jerusalem Post. While both outlets reported on the Baltic states' support for US and Israel's war against Iran, their focus diverged.

Deutsche Welle, a German public broadcaster, emphasized the Baltic states' unique role as "model allies" and their rationale for supporting the US, driven by their own security concerns regarding Russia. The outlet noted that the Baltic states' support is seen as crucial for their security, particularly in light of Russian threats.

The Jerusalem Post, an Israeli-based private outlet, concentrated on NATO's struggles and the need for increased defense spending, highlighting Pevkur's trust in US defense as a central theme. The outlet reported on Trump's threat to pull the US out of NATO and the alliance's strained dynamics.

Both sources attribute their information to official statements and interviews, with Deutsche Welle providing more analytical context on Baltic motivations and the Jerusalem Post focusing on the broader implications for NATO.

Key Claims

US Threat to Leave NATO

According to the Jerusalem Post, US President Donald Trump threatened to pull the US out of NATO over European members' refusal to send ships to unblock the Strait of Hormuz near Iran. This threat has reportedly rattled the alliance, adding to existing tensions.

Baltic Support for US and Israel's War Against Iran

Deutsche Welle reported that the Baltic states have supported the US and Israel's war against Iran, describing the operation as "understandable" given Iran's nuclear program and its aggression against Ukraine. Latvia's president Edgars Rinkevics was quoted as characterizing the operation as such.

Baltic leaders also welcomed the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader in late February, pointing to what they see as a new opportunity for the Iranian people to determine their own future, according to the same report.

Baltic Military Contributions

Estonia has signaled readiness to consider deploying its demining vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, while Lithuania has expressed willingness to consider providing troops to assist Washington should such a request be made, as per Deutsche Welle's report.

Defense Spending Increases

Deutsche Welle noted that the Baltic states have increased their defense spending, with Poland allocating 4.5% of GDP, Lithuania 4%, Latvia 3.7%, and Estonia 3.4% in 2025. This comes amid calls for NATO members to invest more in defense.

Estonian Intelligence Warnings on Russia

The Jerusalem Post reported that Estonian intelligence warned in February that Russia is stockpiling ammunition for future wars after the conflict in Ukraine ends. Russia has described allegations by European leaders that it could attack NATO as "nonsense."

Pevkur's Trust in US

Pevkur told Reuters he was in no doubt that the US would defend Estonia if Russia attacked, and that he trusts all NATO allies. He compared NATO's current strains to a long marriage, saying, "There are no 50 years of purely smooth sailing. You have differences and problems, and you need to work through them." He also conceded that Europe is not ready to stand up militarily on its own now, stating, "Are we there where we want to be? No. All of us (in NATO) need to invest more in defense."

Perspectives

Baltic States as Model Allies

Analysts and officials in the Baltic states view their support for the US as essential for their own security, given the perceived threat from Russia. By aligning with Washington, they aim to ensure continued US military presence and commitment in the region, even as they boost their own defense spending.

NATO's Internal Strains

The alliance is facing significant internal strains, including disputes over burden-sharing and geopolitical disagreements. The threat by Trump to withdraw the US underscores the fragility of the alliance, with some members worried about its long-term viability. Pevkur's comments reflect an attempt to reassure allies and project stability, despite acknowledged differences.

Russia's Denials

Russia has dismissed allegations that it might attack NATO as "nonsense," according to the Jerusalem Post. Russian officials have also warned Baltic states of "serious consequences" over alleged use of their airspace by drones attacking Russia, accusations the Baltic states deny. This adds to the complex security environment in the region.

This article was compiled from reporting by Deutsche Welle and the Jerusalem Post, with additional context from Reuters interviews.