Catherine spoke about her recent experience on a visit to Estonia during a debate on Global Military Operations.
In her speech, Catherine began by paying tribute to those serving in the UK’s armed forces and highlighted the importance of the UK standing with Nato allies and alongside Ukraine.
Catherine cautioned against slow response to the dangers to our security and that of our allies and highlighted how “Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has brought a destabilisation of peace in Europe, it has deepened famine in east Africa and it has fuelled the energy and food price rises that we are now all feeling. It is a wake-up call to us all”.
During the debate, Catherine spoke of her experience as part of an Anglo-German delegate to Estonia, a Nato ally who following decades of soviet oppression, now takes pride in their independence and stands steadfast in support of Ukraine.
Highlighting the experience of her visit, Catherine commented “Estonia is on NATO’s frontline, working alongside allies on training operations as part of NATO’s UK-led multinational battle group work—operations that are part of our crucial bilateral commitments with Estonia. While I was in Estonia, Exercise Spring Storm was under way, with more than 1,500 UK troops joining military personnel from 11 NATO countries in an important demonstration of our joint defensive strength”.
Concluding her speech, Catherine warned that “We know that this is a long-haul struggle for freedom, peace and security in Europe and around the globe, and we must stay the course”.
Speaking after the debate, Catherine added:
“Russia’s illegal war has led to global insecurity but has also strengthened our resolve to work with and alongside our allies for our values and democracy. The experience in Estonia has strengthened my resolve to stand alongside our Nato colleagues and all those standing up to Putin’s aggression”