Permanent Presence of US Troops in Estonia Is Unreasonable - US Ambassador

The temporary US military presence in Estonia is the most effective way for Americans to cooperate with its NATO ally, but permanently stationing US troops in the country would be pointless, US Ambassador to Estonia Jeffrey D. Levine said.

US Ambassador to Estonia Jeffrey D. Levine said that permanently stationing US troops in the country would be unreasonable, although the Estonian government seeks to ensure a constant presence of US and NATO troops on its territory.

According to Levine, US troops, which are part of NATO forces, are already stationed in the country. They conduct regular training and undergo a process of rotation, but on a temporary, not a permanent basis.

The ambassador said that this is the best and most effective way to send a signal that NATO is ready to provide assistance to Estonia in repelling possible aggression of any other country. But the permanent presence of US troops in the country would be unreasonable, he claimed.

All in all, there is currently a tank platoon of the 7th Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division, consisting of four M1A2 Abrams tanks, as well as two platoons of American paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade stationed at the military base in the Estonian town of Tapa.