Volodymyr Zelensky

Estonia Calls for NATO Readiness Amidst Shifting Threat from‌ Putin

TALLINN, Estonia – ⁤Estonian President Alar Karis is urging NATO allies⁢ to accelerate defense spending ​and prepare for a “different kind of war” with ‌Russia, citing a basic shift in ​the security landscape ‍following‍ Moscow’s ⁢invasion of Ukraine. Karis emphasized the need for increased investment in defense capabilities,even as some member states struggle to ​meet existing commitments.

The call ⁢for heightened preparedness comes as NATO grapples with the evolving nature of conflict ​and the potential for broader aggression from Russia. While acknowledging the progress made by some nations, Karis stressed the importance of collective action and a long-term commitment to bolstering⁤ defense capabilities across the alliance.

A key ⁤point‌ of contention remains defense spending commitments among NATO allies. Former U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly challenged the alliance over insufficient contributions, initially targeting a 2 percent of GDP benchmark, later suggesting 3 ​percent, and more recently, with NATO members agreeing in‌ june to a new minimum of ⁢5 percent.

Estonia and other Baltic states are among the leading spenders on defense within NATO. However, countries like Spain have faced criticism for falling short of targets. ⁤Trump previously threatened to‍ reconsider Spain’s membership if it failed to meet its financial obligations. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles recently affirmed Spain’s commitment to NATO, stating U.S.‍ armed forces were “well aware” of the country’s dedication.

Karis urged patience with allies working to meet their​ commitments, pointing to Germany’s ‍recent conversion. “Germany just a few ‌years ago was not meeting ⁤even the 2 percent minimum, but that​ the country ⁣’changed completely the attitude of defense and defense industry’ and is now building up its military capabilities to ⁢meet its commitments,” he ​said.

He expressed optimism that⁤ Spain would follow a similar trajectory, noting Estonia’s own commitment ⁣to ‌the 5 percent target.”It’s probably ⁤the same with Spain,” Karis stated, adding that Estonia reached the 5 percent level “not as it is indeed a nice number, but because it in our NATO defense program…and what we can do as a small country is lead as an example.”

Karis also encouraged Portugal and other nations to increase their ⁢defense resources, acknowledging that progress will vary based on individual circumstances. “Different countries are in ​different situations, so things won’t happen overnight,” he‌ said, adding that alliance leaders are “smart enough to move in the right direction.”