There is currently no direct conventional threat from Russia to the Scandinavian and Baltic states or other NATO members, but Moscow will continue its hybrid attacks and efforts to dissuade partners from providing additional assistance to Ukraine.
This was stated by Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal after the Ukraine-Northern Baltic Eight (NB8) summit in Kiev on August 23, Ukrinform reports.
"I would say that at the moment the military and security assessment is quite clear: NATO is working well. Russia's assessment of NATO's power and strength is at such a level that they know - it's not worth attacking. This means that NATO and European countries can feel confident; there is no direct threat. But the Russians are doing everything they can to make everyone worry about them, not about Ukraine," Michal said.
In his assessment, Russia is likely to carry out more hybrid attacks throughout the European Union, and therefore everyone should remain vigilant.
Michal noted that Putin used to be a "grandmaster of cognitive warfare," convincing everyone that he would be in Kiev within three days. But now the ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga are burning, as are facilities in large cities protected by multi-layered air defenses, as well as warehouses and other targets. Thus, Putin's "cognitive warfare" is falling apart, the prime minister stressed.
But, he added, a question arises - the kind his Finnish colleagues usually ask: what will a rat do when cornered? And no one has a good answer to that question. Therefore, Michal believes that more investment should be made in defense, as well as in Ukrainian technology and defense industry. Partners, including Estonia, are doing this, including through drone agreements.
The Estonian prime minister stressed that while Putin is now "in trouble with his cognitive war - he is losing while Ukraine is gaining momentum", this momentum must be maintained and "we must give everything we have and bring Ukraine into the EU and NATO".
"Ukraine's future is in the European Union and NATO. We must continue to push it in that direction," Michal said.
He criticized those who believe that the sanctions may not be effective enough and that it would be more profitable to lift them and resume business with Russia. The Estonian politician said he was convinced that currently the Russian economy "does not have a single healthy part", but it is still large enough to continue the pressure: to keep assets frozen, to pursue ships from the "shadow fleet" and to "fight everyone who was involved in the conflict on Russia's side".
"The message is very clear: stay in Russia, wait for the tribunal", said Michal, addressing the Russians.
Several heads of state and government arrived in Kiev on the occasion of the National Flag Day and on the eve of Independence Day. The leaders of Ukraine, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland and Norway participated in the summit (NB8), while Sweden joined online.