Article 5 says that in case of an armed-attack of a member of NATO, that other countries have to provide help. Each member of the alliance then decide, about how much help, when and how at their own discretion.
It doesn't necessarily mean that Washington would attack Moscow, and vice-versa or that they would be war outside "disputed" territories.
If tomorrow they have to choose between saving Tallinn or San Francisco, they'll make some choices, but not irrational ones.
The main TV channel in Russia openly threatens of an hybrid-scenario like in 2014 in Ukraine where they sent soldiers without bearing insignias or flags (so officially it was not an attack).
Let's say Estonia is in a situation in some way similar to North Korea vs South Korea.
Very peaceful and nice country inside but with a risk of getting into a dangerous military situation and some support guaranteed by the US and other allies if things goes bad.
The ambassadors of both countries kicked out each other in harsh ways, the customs don't collaborate together anymore, etc.
No panic, but still good to keep in mind, just in case.
If you listen to someone like Stoltenberg speak, you will find that he is very clear about NATO's commitments. No "each country would decide how much help", that kind of thing comes mostly from the German speaking circles.
No recent U.S. President wanted to pull out of NATO. The Clinton campaign falsely claimed that Trump did, but he just wanted other countries to pay the agreed upon 2% commitment. And it looks like it worked.
Technicalities don't mean much, Russia will make its move not based on technicalities but on the perceptions of other countries' response. Currently the front runners for the next US admin from the GOP side are openly from the "we'll give Russia anything, Putin good" camp so yes, Estonians and other Eastern Europeans are rightly concerned.
The Russians aren't gonna necessarily come across the border militarily. The Russians are gonna do what they did in Ukraine.
I'm not sure I would risk a nuclear war over some place which is the suburbs of St. Petersburg"
Unless I misunderstand, I already see the speech: "we saved millions of Americans thanks to my mastermind diplomacy, we send our prayers to all our allies, good luck!"
It doesn't necessarily mean that Washington would attack Moscow, and vice-versa or that they would be war outside "disputed" territories.
If tomorrow they have to choose between saving Tallinn or San Francisco, they'll make some choices, but not irrational ones.
The main TV channel in Russia openly threatens of an hybrid-scenario like in 2014 in Ukraine where they sent soldiers without bearing insignias or flags (so officially it was not an attack).
Let's say Estonia is in a situation in some way similar to North Korea vs South Korea.
Very peaceful and nice country inside but with a risk of getting into a dangerous military situation and some support guaranteed by the US and other allies if things goes bad.
The ambassadors of both countries kicked out each other in harsh ways, the customs don't collaborate together anymore, etc.
No panic, but still good to keep in mind, just in case.