Prince William arrived at a Nato base in Estonia this morning, dressed in combat gear and a beret, ready to take part in a major military exercise just 90 miles from Russia's border.
The future king is visiting Tapa Camp, under two hours drive from the Russian border, in his role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment.
The regiment is about to undertake a six-month posting to the region.
A royal aide said the prince was delighted to be "getting his hands dirty" during the visit.
Prince William arrived at a Nato base in Estonia this morning, dressed in combat gear and a beret, ready to take part in a major military exercise just 90 miles from Russia's border
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The aide explained the trip was "about the Prince of Wales showing his support to Estonia as it manages its proximity to Russia while hosting Nato troops and welcoming Ukrainian refuges."
Operation Cabrit, a major multi-national Nato exercise designed to demonstrate the organisation's united commitment to collective security and defence.
The prince will drive an Archer armoured military vehicle and be driven in Challenger and Warrior tanks during field exercises in what has been described as "Putin's backyard".
Operation Cabrit forms part of the biggest reinforcement of Alliance collective defence and European security in a generation.
Prince William is visiting Tapa Camp, under two hours drive from the Russian border, in his role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment
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During his day at Tapa Camp, William will meet Estonian troops and oversee an official handover ceremony between The Royal Dragoon Guards and the Mercian Regiment.
He will view equipment to be used by the Mercians and visit the field training area to see their work in action.
The prince will also spend time with the welfare team and visited the NAAFI shop and canteen.
Estonia has firmly supported Ukraine since the Russian invasion, both politically and financially.
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William will meet Estonian troops and oversee an official handover ceremony between The Royal Dragoon Guards and the Mercian Regiment
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The country was the first to introduce legislation to seize frozen Russian assets and has championed tough sanctions on Russia.
Russia has been engaged in various hybrid attacks against Estonia, including GPS jamming, acts of sabotage, cyber-attacks, and removal of navigational buoys marking the border.
Diplomatic sources said William's visit comes at a "crucial time" for reassuring Estonians of the UK's commitment to their security and to Ukraine.
Estonia is reportedly fearful that following any peace deal, Russia could rapidly re-arm and threaten Ukraine again or attack Estonia and other Northern European Nato allies.
