Rutte Warns: Russia Could Target Estonia Within Years

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has warned that Russia may launch a military attack on Estonia—an alliance member—within the next 5 to 7 years, underscoring the growing threat to Europe’s eastern flank.

He’s stated this in an interview with The New York Times.

Journalists asked NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to comment on recent military exercises held in Estonia to test the country’s readiness for a potential Russian invasion, noting that Estonia has neither an air force nor a navy.

In response, Rutte emphasized that the drills were not a warning signal.

“We have all the necessary plans in place in the event Estonia is attacked — and the Russians are well aware of that. Our response would be devastating. I can’t reveal all the details, because Vladimir Putin, as I know, watches these programs,” Rutte said.

He underscored the importance of ensuring adequate personnel and military equipment.

Therefore, according to the Secretary General, NATO members must increase their defense spending. In the event of a Russian invasion of Estonia, all allies — including the United States — will come to its defense.
“Putin knows this. That’s why he won’t attack Estonia today. But he might in five or seven years if we fail to make these additional investments,” Rutte added.

Earlier, Estonia began building the Baltic Defense Line in the southeastern part of the country on the border with Russia.

As reported, Ukrainian intelligence has evidence that the Russian leadership is preparing new military operations in Europe.

By the way, German intelligence has concrete evidence of the Kremlin’s preparations for potential aggression against NATO. Thus, the Russian Federation plans to test the effectiveness of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which guarantees mutual defense.

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