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- Politico Article: “Russia gearing up for decade-long duel with West,Estonia warns”
– URL: Politico
- Summary: Estonia’s Foreign Intelligence Service reports that Russia is preparing for a potential armed conflict with Western countries within the next decade. Kaupo Rosin, head of the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service, states that the Kremlin views this as a long-term confrontation with the entire “collective West.”
- Reuters Article: “Russia preparing for military confrontation with West, says Estonia”
– URL: Reuters
– Summary: The estonian army conducted a snap military exercise, Okas 2021, near the Russian border. The exercise included building a temporary razor wire fence, indicating preparations for potential military confrontation with Russia.
- ERR News: “Kaupo Rosin: Direct military attack on Estonia remains unlikely”
– URL: ERR News
– Summary: Kaupo Rosin,head of the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service,states that while a direct military attack on Estonia remains unlikely in 2025,Russia’s policy towards Estonia remains hostile. Russia is continuing its confrontation with the West, despite suffering important losses. The Russian military is growing and advancing technologies such as drones. Additionally, Russia uses the Russian Orthodox Church and local bodies as instruments of influence in the baltic States.
Interview with Kaupo Rosin on Russia’s Military Intentions
Editor: Recent reports suggest that Russia is preparing for a potential military confrontation with Western countries within the next decade. What is your assessment of this situation?
Kaupo Rosin: Indeed, the Kremlin views this as a long-term confrontation with the entire “collective West.” The Estonian army conducted a snap military exercise, Okas 2021, near the Russian border, which included building a temporary razor wire fence, indicating preparations for potential military confrontation with Russia.
Editor: Can you elaborate on the specific preparations that Russia is making for this confrontation?
Kaupo Rosin: Russia is continuing its confrontation with the West despite suffering critically important losses. The Russian military is growing and advancing technologies such as drones. Additionally, Russia uses the Russian orthodox Church and local bodies as instruments of influence in the Baltic States. While a direct military attack on Estonia remains unlikely in 2025,Russia’s policy towards Estonia remains unfriendly.
Editor: How do you see the role of the Russian Orthodox Church and local bodies in this context?
Kaupo Rosin: The Russian Orthodox Church and local bodies are being used as instruments of influence. This is part of a broader strategy to exert pressure and maintain influence in the region. These efforts are aimed at destabilizing and undermining the unity of the Baltic States, which are part of the collective West.
Editor: What should the Western countries do to counter these preparations and influence efforts?
Kaupo Rosin: Western countries need to maintain a strong and united front. This includes reinforcing military capabilities, enhancing intelligence cooperation, and supporting democratic institutions in the region. Additionally, countering the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church and local bodies requires a extensive approach that includes diplomatic efforts and support for local civil society.
Editor: thank you for your insights, Kaupo Rosin. Your assessment is crucial for understanding the current geopolitical landscape and preparing for potential threats.
Kaupo Rosin: thank you for having me. it’s critically important to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing these challenges.
Editor: what are the main takeaways from your assessment?
Kaupo Rosin: The main takeaways are that Russia is preparing for a long-term confrontation with the West, including military preparations and influence efforts thru the Russian Orthodox Church and local bodies. Western countries need to remain united and proactive in countering these threats to ensure the security and stability of the region.
