Russia’s neighbours urge Nato allies to bring back military service
By Nick Beake
Rain drips down the glasses of new recruit Toivo Saabas, tracing the contours of the green and black face paint that completes his camouflage.
Lying on the saturated ground, and peering through the sight of his gun, the only frailty that threatens to give away his position is the plume of air he breathes out silently into the icy Estonian forest.
Then comes the deafening call to attack.
The 25-year-old springs to his feet. Forming a line with his brothers in arms, he bounds through the trees towards the Russian border.
As he advances to the clatter of enemy fire, the Southampton University mechanical engineering graduate knows that one day this could all be for real.
“We’re practicing for any threat,” he says.
“We’re ready for anything that comes to Estonia and we’re ready to defend the country.”
Toivo, from the capital Tallinn, is among the current crop of young Estonians undergoing their military service – a duty all men over 18 are asked to carry out. For women, it’s voluntary.
