Estonia's intelligence chief: NATO must deter Russia for 10-20 more years
Illustrative photo: NATO's army will deter Russia for another 10-20 years (Getty Images)
The North Atlantic Alliance will need to continue containing Russia for another 10-20 years to prevent Moscow from deciding to attack NATO, stated Kaupo Rosin, the head of Estonian foreign intelligence, in an interview with Reuters.
"The task for NATO in the coming 10-20 years will be to contain or deter Russia so it doesn't get any stupid ideas to push towards the West militarily," Rosin said.
He clarified that such a task is doable, but it must be taken seriously in the West. Investments in the defense sector are also needed.
"NATO and national military plans must be credible, must be real and must be backed up with real resources, regarding troops present, follow on units, ammunition. If we do our homework properly, then we will be able to deter Russia," the head of Estonian foreign intelligence noted.
According to Rosin, it is difficult for him to imagine that Russia will hold peace talks with Ukraine in the near future. At the same time, Moscow will try to " limit NATO’s activities, NATO infrastructure and the troop presence in the vicinity of Russia".
Russia is a threat to the West
On December 19, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen emphasized that Russia will continue to pose a threat to European countries even after the war in Ukraine ends.
At the same time, the Chief of the Joint Staff of the Estonian Defense Forces, Vahur Karus, emphasized in September that in the event of a Russian attack, his country has the right to strike at Russian territory, not just to defend itself.
