Prince William Joins UK Troops Near Russian Border During NATO Exercise in Estonia

Prince William visited British troops stationed in Estonia as part of NATO’s effort to deter Russian aggression in the Baltic region.

During the visit, he donned military uniform and participated in field exercises, including riding a Challenger 2 tank at the Tapa military base—located approximately 120 kilometers from the Russian border.

According to The Telegraph, the Prince of Wales traveled to Tapa Camp, which hosts the largest British military deployment overseas. The visit took place under Operation Cabrit, the United Kingdom’s contribution to NATO's enhanced forward presence in Eastern Europe.

While at the base, Prince William met with soldiers from the Mercian Regiment, of which he serves as Colonel-in-Chief. He was shown several military vehicles including the Challenger 2 tank, the Warrior infantry fighting vehicle, the French-built Griffon armored transport, the Archer mobile artillery system, the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), and the Trojan armored engineering vehicle.

Accompanied by Estonian Armed Forces Commander Colonel Tarmo Kundla and British Lieutenant General Sir Ian Cave, Prince William spoke with multinational troops deployed at the site, including contingents from Estonia and France.

In a statement made on the parade ground, Prince William said he hoped his visit would “remind everyone to stay alert,” reflecting the strategic significance of the region amid ongoing tensions near the Russian border.

The Tapa base, once a Soviet air defense installation, has become a key NATO stronghold. Its expansion reflects broader security measures aimed at reinforcing the alliance’s eastern flank. The visit came amid cold weather drills, with armored vehicles stationed across the area.

During the two-day visit, Prince William also observed live training exercises and engaged with troops about modern battlefield challenges. He asked soldiers whether the proximity to Russia gave a more realistic tone to their operations compared to past deployments.

Particular attention was paid to the evolving threat posed by drones. Warning signs around the base urged reporting of drone sightings, and Estonian developers in Tallinn demonstrated a hydrogen-powered drone to the Prince.

Beyond military matters, the visit also addressed service members’ welfare. Prince William inquired about mental health issues and whether stigma within the armed forces persists. Social support officers noted progress in addressing such concerns.

He also visited a Tallinn school for Ukrainian refugee children, where he praised the resilience of Ukrainian families who have relocated to Estonia. “Ukrainian resilience is everywhere,” he told students.

Estonia, which regained independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, continues to express strong support for Ukraine amid Russia’s full-scale invasion. The Estonian capital prominently displays Ukrainian flags alongside the national tricolor as a gesture of solidarity.

Earlier, the United Kingdom signaled its readiness to help intercept Russian missiles over Ukraine as part of a potential future peace deal, provided key military and political conditions are met.

According to Bloomberg, UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband stated that Britain is working with allies to supply surveillance aircraft and fighter jets for missile interception. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted defense planners from 30 nations to discuss long-term security arrangements for Ukraine, emphasizing that any ceasefire must be backed by strong protective measures.