NATO Secretary General: Putin May Attack Estonia In 5-7 Years

The Alliance already has all the necessary plans in place for that eventuality.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that at the moment Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin will not attack Estonia. However, he may do so in 5-7 years.

This is reported by The New York Times.

In the course of the conversation, the host reminded Rutte of The New Yorker article. It referred to an exercise in Estonia that was conducted to test the country's readiness for a possible Russian invasion.

In particular, it noted that Estonia has no air force or navy. In addition, during the exercise, the team playing the role of the advancing army had "superior capabilities" - there were more heavy armored vehicles and long-range weapons. Against this backdrop, Rutte was asked if the exercise was a wake-up call.

"No. What The New Yorker described is true, but it was not a wake-up call for us because we already have all the necessary plans in place in case Estonia is attacked - and the Russians know it - our reaction will be devastating," the secretary-general said.

He said he could not go into details because he was sure Putin was watching the programs. At the same time, he noted that "we must" not just have these plans, but also ensure that we have the people and military equipment to make them a reality. And that is why "we need to spend more (on defense - ed.).

Rutte explained that Putin will not attack Estonia for the time being, since NATO's might, as well as the United States, will be used for defense. However, he admits that an invasion attempt is possible in the future.

"It is not that the Estonians will be left alone. The full might of NATO will be brought to bear, including full support from the US, which will come to the rescue. Putin knows this. That's why he won't attack Estonia now. But he might do it in 5 or 7 years, if we don't make all the necessary additional investments," says the Alliance Secretary General.

Rutte was also asked if he is confident that the United States will defend Estonia, given that United States President Donald Trump has never made a clear commitment to defend Europe. He answered unequivocally.

"100 percent. I have no doubts and that was absolutely clear during the final press conference in The Hague. In addition, everything I have discussed in the last six months with the new US administration - absolutely no hint of doubt: the US is fully committed to NATO and fully supports Article 5," Rutte said.

In conclusion, he added that there was one major irritant, namely the fact that "the Europeans have not paid their fair share."

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