1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
PoliticsEurope

Why Estonia wants NATO members to 'invest more into defense'

21:21

This browser does not support the video element.

Juri Rescheto in Tallinn, Estonia
June 2, 2026

Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur wants NATO members to do more to counter Russia amid its war in Ukraine. He also offers insight into the evolving threat landscape in the Baltics and the alliance’s strategic response.

Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur told DW that repeated drone incursions into NATO airspace reflect spillover from Russia's war in Ukraine, not the alliance's involvement. He defended shooting down a drone over Estonia as necessary to protect civilians despite high costs. Pevkur said there was no easy way to counter drones, though capabilities are expanding. He affirmed NATO unity, called for higher defense spending and blamed Russia for escalating threats.

Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW

More stories from DW