On February 2nd, Estonia celebrates the Treaty of Tartu, signed in 1920, marking a significant and proud moment in Estonian history—105 years of independence. This agreement, also known as the Tartu Peace Treaty, ended the Estonian War of Independence and secured Estonia’s sovereignty from Russian rule. What makes Estonia’s case unique is its ability to push back against Russian expansion, despite being a smaller nation, and to force Russia to recognize Estonian independence officially.
While the treaty ended hostilities and established diplomatic relations between Estonia and Russia, it also set the stage for ongoing tensions. Over a century later, Estonia continues to deal with challenges similar to those posed by its nemesis, Russia. Over a century later, Estonia still faces challenges from Russia, especially amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Despite these threats, Estonia remains committed to maintaining its independence and sovereignty. The country’s resilience in the face of historical occupation and its ability to keep its national identity alive despite being overshadowed by a giant demonstrates Estonia’s strength as a nation. As the world observes the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Estonia stands as an example of resilience in the face of challenges.
Estonia’s War of Independence: A Defining Moment
Estonia had been part of the Russian Empire since 1721, essentially serving as a protectorate of the Russian Empire. As World War I raged and the Russian Empire collapsed, nationalist movements in various regions of the former empire began seeking independence. Estonia was one of the regions that sought self-governance after centuries of Russian rule.
The Estonian War of Independence between the Estonian People’s Army and the Red Army of Soviet Russia— which sought to maintain control over the territory—ended with the defeat of the Red Army, allowing for negotiations between the newly formed Estonian government and Soviet Russia. These discussions resulted in the signing of the Treaty of Tartu. Tartu, located in southeastern Estonia, had been an important cultural centre during the Russian Empire and was selected as the venue for the agreement.
The treaty concluded the war and set the foundation for future relations between Estonia and Russia. It recognized Estonia’s sovereignty and independence, marking a significant shift in the political map of Eastern Europe following World War I. Article 2 of the treaty states: “Russia unreservedly recognizes the independence and sovereignty of the State of Estonia.” However, this was later ignored by Stalin during the invasion of Estonia. Additionally, the treaty established the border between Estonia and Russia, which has largely remained unchanged to the present day, with only minor changes during and after the Soviet Union.
The treaty not only ended the conflict and established formal relations between Estonia and Russia but also created a foundation for future challenges. These challenges included territorial disputes and periods of occupation, which would influence Estonia’s relationship with its larger neighbour for many years.
Estonia and Modern-Day Security Challenges
Fast-forward to the present day, and we find that Estonia continues to wrestle with the legacy of its relationship with Russia. In recent years, Estonia has found itself in a fragile position due to ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. This conflict has significantly impacted Estonia’s security stance and relations with Russia.
One key difference between the two eras is the international context. While Estonia fought for independence against Soviet Russia in the early 20th century, today, it operates within a broader framework of international alliances and collective defence agreements. As a member of NATO and the European Union, Estonia enjoys stronger diplomatic support and military protection than it did during its days of struggle for independence.
However, these modern alliances have also brought new challenges. Estonia’s proximity to Russia makes it vulnerable to potential Russian aggression or cyber-attacks. The ongoing war in Ukraine has highlighted concerns about the possibility of spillover effects into neighbouring countries, including Estonia. Russia’s ongoing narrative regarding the Baltics, provocative actions at the Narva border, and the continuous occupation of Ukraine raise concerns about its intentions to expand—either territorially or in terms of influence.
In recent years, Estonia has taken steps to enhance its military preparedness and cybersecurity defences. According to Kristen Michal, Estonia’s Prime Minister, the country will accelerate its overall defence commitments to 5% of GDP, up from a previous target of 3.7% by 2026. The government has maintained a high level of vigilance, particularly along the eastern border shared with Russia. This reflects a long-term awareness of the historical threat posed by Russia and the desire to prevent a repetition of the past.
Despite these precautions, the situation remains tense. Estonia’s former prime minister, Kaja Kallas, has stated that while there is currently no immediate threat to Estonia, the country remains unpredictable and poses ongoing risks. This unpredictability resembles the uncertain climate that existed during the negotiations leading up to the Treaty of Tartu.
Estonia and Ukraine: A Shared Struggle for Sovereignty
The echoes of history strongly resonate between Ukraine’s current struggle and Estonia’s fight for independence nearly a century ago. Both nations faced similar challenges as they sought to break free from Russian hegemony and maintain their national identity.
During Estonia’s War of Independence, the country fought against both German and Bolshevik forces that aimed to maintain control over the region. Similarly, Ukraine today is battling Russian aggression and occupation. The parallels extend beyond just military conflicts; both countries have had to navigate complex international politics, balance relationships with neighbouring powers, and deal with questions of national identity and cultural preservation.
Just as Estonia secured its independence through diplomatic efforts like the Treaty of Tartu, Ukraine continues to seek international recognition and support for its sovereignty. As Trump’s narrative suggests ending the war, the situation becomes increasingly complicated for Ukraine in its struggle to maintain sovereignty. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine serves as a reminder that the struggle for independence is often an ongoing process rather than a one-time event.
Moreover, both Estonians and Ukrainians have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Despite being smaller nations compared to their larger and more powerful, both have demonstrated an unwavering determination to preserve their cultures, languages, and political systems.
The shared experience of fighting for independence against overwhelming odds creates a powerful bond between Estonia and Ukraine. Since the beginning of the war, Estonia has been one of Ukraine’s top supporters, providing more than 1.2 billion euros in total for financial aid and full political support. As both nations continue to navigate the complexities of modern geopolitics, they draw strength from their shared history and mutual understanding of the challenges in protecting national sovereignty.