Russia Still a Threat, Says Defense Forces Chief
The outgoing Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Forces, Gen. Ants Laaneots, has said that Estonia needs to continue developing its military strength as developments on its eastern border present a danger to the country.
"Russia will definitely be a danger so long as the well-known pair remain at the country's helm," Laaneots told ETV in a a December 1 interview, alluding to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev.
"They are now completely openly opposed to NATO and are talking loudly about an arms race," he said.
Laaneots, who is retiring from the military after occupying his post since 2006, said that the past five years had been productive for the organization, but that the economic crisis had prevented many plans from being implemented.
This month Laaneots will be replaced by Brig. Gen. Riho Terras, who is currently Chief of Staff of the Defense Forces.
Steve Roman