Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service Report
The intelligence services of the three Baltic countries are likely some of the most knowledgeable entities globally regarding the Russian menace to the West. This is the summary of their 2024 yearly
Estonia's Foreign Intelligence Service alerts that Russia is gearing up for a military showdown with the West in the forthcoming decade, advocating for an escalated buildup of armed forces as a countermeasure.
This analysis emerges amid escalating worries among Western officials about Russia's threat to NATO's eastern perimeter, leading to calls for rearmament throughout Europe.
Russia/NATO Border and Baltic States
The intelligence head has underscored Russian intentions to augment its forces along the borders with NATO members Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia, suggesting a Kremlin strategy aimed at confrontation over the long term. Although a Russian military offensive is deemed "highly unlikely" in the near term due to its engagements in Ukraine, the lack of a commensurate force buildup in Europe heightens the risk.
Overview of Estonian Intelligence Report
After Crimea's annexation in 2014, Estonia and other Baltic States have significantly raised their military budgets to over 2% of their GDP, with NATO allies reinforcing their presence. Germany plans to station 4,800 combat-ready troops in the region by 2027, marking its first ever permanent foreign deployment since World War II. The intelligence services stress the crucial need for continuous or enhanced Western support for Ukraine, as Russia's ammunition supply capabilities far outpace Ukraine's, shifting the conflict dynamics. A nearly 80-page report delivers a thorough examination of Russia's various assets in its confrontations against Ukraine and the broader Western alliance.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Rock Rachon to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.