The head of the Russian regime, Vladimir Putin, still fears NATO, but the alliance must increase defense spending. This was stated on Wednesday by the President of Estonia, Alar Karis, in an interview with the Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT).
"I don’t think Putin considers NATO a weak organization or a 'paper tiger.' We are indeed strong; otherwise, the geopolitical situation would be completely different. Therefore, I believe that Putin still fears NATO, as it is a very powerful defensive organization," said Karis in an interview with LRT.
"But, of course, we need to invest more in this organization. The war in Ukraine has taught us lessons – we have begun to understand what NATO really needs," said Karis. "We all know that Russia only understands the language of strength."
The Estonian head of state is on a state visit to Lithuania from April 15 to 16.
At a joint press conference on Wednesday, Karis and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda stated that they do not consider the criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, a Republican, towards NATO partners as the end of the alliance, emphasizing the long history of the organization and its enduring importance.
"There is a certain verbal exchange going on, and the statements you mentioned are part of it, but I do not consider such a scenario realistic. President Trump understands very well how important it is for the United States to remain in NATO," said Karis in an interview with LRT.
He noted that he discussed with Nausėda the necessity for the alliance of both U.S. participation and increased defense investments from other member states.
When asked about the possibility of creating a European Union army, Karis replied that in small countries like Estonia, there are already enough people capable of fighting, and that if an EU army were created, it would be better equipped in some countries than in others.
"In a certain sense, we are ready, but at the same time, I am convinced that Russia does not intend to attack us at least in the next two to three years," stated the Estonian head of state.
Concerns about a possible split in NATO have intensified after Trump threatened to buy Greenland from Denmark, a member of the alliance, and criticized allies for their cautious stance regarding rising tensions with Iran.
