UN “not fulfilling core tasks” for Ukraine, says Estonian defence secretary
Estonia has operated Hanwha Defense and Aerospace K9s since the start of the decade. (Photo: Estonian Defence Forces)
Estonia is looking for innovative ways to deal with its particular challenges but, according to the MoD’s permanent secretary, Kaimo Kuusk, technology still needs to be backed up by old-fashioned long-range punch.
The UN and the UN Security Council “are not fulfilling [their] core tasks” when it comes to the Ukraine conflict, according to Kaimo Kuusk, permanent secretary of Estonia’s Ministry of Defence, but he believes Ukraine will ultimately succeed against Russia.
Kuusk was Estonia’s ambassador in Kyiv when the full-scale Russian invasion began four years ago, awaking to the barrage of the initial attack on the capital. Prior to this role, he was deputy director of the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service.
Estonia is in a particular position as, like neighbouring Latvia, it is a NATO and EU country which was formerly a Soviet state and
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges]()
Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges
Pearson Engineering has provided equipment and engineering expertise to the Armed Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The British company is now working to deepen engagement with the Ukrainian defence industry, expanding its support for the country’s population and laying the foundations for future technological innovation.
-
![AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs]()
AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs
Rather than developing entirely new weapons, defence companies are looking to build on existing weapons and systems to deliver greater capability, control costs and accelerate fielding.
-
![AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality]()
AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality
With a production rate of more than 10 million vehicles annually, the US commercial car and vehicle manufacturing base is second only to China. Defence companies are looking at how the vehicles, technology and manufacturing capability can support programmes.
-
![With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?]()
With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?
Traditional suppliers are struggling to meet the Middle East’s armoured vehicle modernisation needs, creating opportunities for South Korean manufacturers and regional defence industries.
-
![AUSA 2026: CUAS market expands as suppliers target new threats and operational requirements]()
AUSA 2026: CUAS market expands as suppliers target new threats and operational requirements
New developments from MARSS, MyDefence, Mountain Horse Solutions and Rafael suggest that future counter-drone protection will increasingly depend on combining advanced detection, rapid interception and integrated defensive networks.
