Estonian intelligence warns of potential Russian military confrontation with the West in next decade

On Tuesday, the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service revealed that Russia is planning a military confrontation with the West over the next ten years, as reported by a Reuters agency. According to them, an assault from Moscow could be deterred by the counter-expansion of armed forces.

Kaupo Rosin, the head of Estonian intelligence, clarified that this threat assessment was based on Russia's plans to double the number of forces stationed along the border with NATO members, Finland, and the Baltic nations. "Russia has opted for a long-term confrontation, and the Kremlin likely anticipates a potential conflict with NATO within the next decade," explained Rosin during his report's presentation.

The expert, however, added that due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a military attack from Russia is "highly unlikely" in the near future. "If we are unprepared, the likelihood of a Russian military assault will be significantly higher than without any preparations," emphasized Rosin, as quoted by Reuters.

Rosin also addressed comments made by Donald Trump, the US presidential candidate. Trump seemingly "encouraged" Moscow to attack NATO members who didn't invest sufficiently in defense. "Such statements are never helpful," Rosin pointed out.

Following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, Estonia, along with other Baltic countries, ramped up their military expenditure to over 2 percent. Similarly, NATO increased its presence in the region.

Source: Reuters