Displaying items by tag: Russia's neighbours

Toivo Saabas, a young Estonian conscript, has been undergoing rigorous military training in the country's icy forests. Conscription, mandatory for men over 18 and voluntary for women, remains vital in Estonia, conscious of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Five other countries in the region are reintroducing or expanding conscription in response to heightened security concerns. Despite the gruelling training, soldiers like Toivo recognise the importance of service to their country. His commanding officer is confident about the readiness of Estonian forces and the strategic backing of NATO in the face of any potential aggression from Russia - a possibility which the Kremlin dismisses. The war in Ukraine has also changed policies in Finland, which joined NATO a year ago: see