Rõivas: Estonia has considered a hybrid war scenario
Commenting on former Nato head Anders Fogh Rasmussen's assertion that Russia could open a new hybrid war front in Estonia, Estonian Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas said the nation has considered such a scenario and defense has been thought through.
“It is clear that the government must continue to build up Estonia's defenses. Only by investing in security and increase the presence of allies can we deter any potential aggressor. If we are serious enough about our own security, then foreign enemies do not threaten us,” he told ERR.
“Hybrid war is not a new or surprising type of war – not in the world, not in Estonia and not in Russia. Estonia has considered it and planned its national defense intelligently, by increasing our independent capabilities and improving relations with allies against any would-be aggressor,” Rõivas said.
“Anders Fogh Rasmussen said clearly and resolutely in that interview [to The Telegraph] that Putin knows that if he crosses the red line and attacks Nato allies, he will lose. There is no doubt the article 5 will be implemented if one of the allies falls under the attack of an aggressor,” he added.
Rõivas said Estonia is better protected than ever before. “Estonia has Spanish airforce jets, Dutch mobile infantry, and US troops equipped with heavy weapons. As of yesterday, Nato has a quick reaction unit ready to deploy in 48-72 hours and Nato headquarters will be established in Estonia during the current year, which will ensure that the allies and Nato forces act in unison,” he added.
Editor: J.M. Laats