Tallinn: U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday deployed long-range nuclear-capable bombers to within 80 kilometers of Russia’s border, as B-52H Stratofortress aircraft flew over Estonia, a key NATO ally.
The bombers took off from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, and flew over Estonia as the country celebrated its Independence Day. The mission was part of a broader show of force by the U.S. military, reinforcing NATO’s commitment to defending its eastern flank.
Bomber Deployment in Eastern Estonia
According to a report in Mirror, the B-52H bombers, which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons, were escorted by advanced F-35 and F/A-18 fighter jets during their flight over eastern Estonia. The deployment came as Europe marked three years since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
A Message of Deterrence
The bomber deployment signals Washington’s unwavering support for its NATO allies, particularly those on the alliance’s eastern front. The move follows warnings from Russian commentator Sergei Mardan, who suggested that Putin might attempt to assert control over the Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Estonian officials have voiced growing concerns over Russia’s military expansion near their borders. Kaupo Rosin, the head of Estonia’s intelligence service, has warned that Moscow is planning to significantly increase the number of troops along the Baltic frontier.
Also Read | Congo Conflict Escalates: 7,000 Dead, 450,000 Displaced
Estonian Intelligence Report Raises Alarm
An Estonian intelligence assessment suggests that Russian forces stationed near the country’s borders could nearly double from the estimated 19,000 troops present before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Additionally, the report indicates that along Finland’s border, Russia is in the process of forming a new army corps, which is expected to include two or three combat units supported by additional auxiliary forces.
Also Read | Pakistan’s F-16 Fleet Secures $397 Million in U.S. Funding Under Trump
As geopolitical tensions continue to rise, NATO and its allies remain on high alert, closely monitoring Russia’s military movements and reinforcing their defensive positions in the region.
