Estonia’s foreign intelligence service has warned that Russia is accelerating its military buildup to “delay and hinder” Europe’s rearmament, according to its annual report released Tuesday. While the report states that Russia has no immediate plans to attack any NATO member this year or next, it emphasizes that Moscow is expanding ammunition production and rebuilding forces in anticipation of future conflicts.
“European countries must invest in defense and internal security, so that in the future Russia concludes it has no chance against NATO,” said Kaupo Rosin, head of the Estonian intelligence service. Rosin added that Russia is particularly concerned that Europe could conduct independent military action against Moscow within two to three years.
The report notes that any Russian attack on Estonia could involve drones simultaneously on land, in the air, and at sea across the country. It also highlights that Russia is seeking to court the United States under the Trump administration, aiming to ease sanctions and secure terms favorable to Ukraine’s defeat, while continuing to pursue its broader goal of marginalizing NATO and reshaping Europe’s security architecture.
Additionally, the intelligence report points to growing military and technological cooperation between Russia and China, with Moscow seen as a strategic ally in efforts to weaken Western influence and a potential energy source should a conflict in Taiwan lead to sanctions or a blockade. The report warns that concessions to Russia could inadvertently strengthen China’s global ambitions.
