The Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) welcomed students from the Estonian School of Diplomacy for an engaging and insightful visit, blending diplomatic perspectives with military expertise at a critical time for regional security.

The visit began with opening remarks and an introduction to the college by Dean COL (ret) Dr habil Zdzislaw Sliwa, who provided a comprehensive overview of BALTDEFCOL's mission and its role as a cornerstone of military and civilian education in the Baltic region. Dr Sliwa emphasized the importance of multinational cooperation and professional education in preparing leaders for today’s complex and rapidly evolving security environment.

The highlight of the visit was a lively roundtable discussion on War in Ukraine: Security and Defence of the Eastern Frontline. The panel featured Ambassador Shota Gvineria, Lecturer in Defence and Cyber Studies; LTC Karl Salum, Lecturer in Crisis Management; and Mr George Spencer Terry, Lecturer in Strategic Studies. The speakers offered a multi-dimensional analysis of the war’s implications for the security of the Baltic states and NATO’s eastern flank.

The discussion, enriched by the diverse backgrounds of both speakers and students, tackled critical issues such as deterrence, resilience, hybrid threats, and the role of diplomacy in defence planning. The students of the Estonian School of Diplomacy actively contributed to the dialogue, raising challenging and timely questions.

More than just an academic exchange, the visit underlined the essential link between diplomacy and defence. Both students and lecturers left the event with a stronger sense of shared responsibility in shaping the security future of the Baltic region.