"Within a decade, Russia and NATO will be at war"
Many European countries are warning of an imminent conflict between Russia and the West. Germany, Sweden, Norway and Denmark believe that the probability of a long-term war is high.
According to Estonian intelligence, this conflict will not take place right away, but within the next ten years.
The head of the intelligence service bases his assessment on Russian plans to double the number of troops stationed along the border with NATO member Finland and the Baltic states of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia, as well as drone incursions.
"Russia has chosen a long-term confrontation, and the Kremlin probably anticipates a possible conflict with NATO in the next ten years or so," Kaupo Rosin said, referring to the report on threats to Estonia's national security.
A military attack by Russia is “highly unlikely” in the short term, Rosin said, partly because Russia needs to keep troops in Ukraine. Such an attack, he added, would also remain unlikely if European countries kept pace with the Russians in building up troops. Solid preparations by Western countries are therefore crucial.
(MH with FM/Source: Reuters/Photo: Unsplash)