Estonian leaders say threat assessment remains unchanged

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal and Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Thursday that the country’s threat assessment had not changed, responding to reports that CIA Director John Ratcliffe had visited Moscow to warn Russia against attacking NATO, including the Baltic states, ERR reported.

“We were aware of the visit, and I understand that it has prompted a great deal of speculation,” Michal said at a government press conference. “But for Estonia and the Baltic states, the level of threat has not changed.”

Tsahkna said Russia’s threat and possible provocations against NATO must be taken seriously, adding that allies were doing so. “We must remain vigilant, but Estonia’s threat assessment has not changed,” he said in a statement.

The Wall Street Journal and Politico reported, citing informed sources, that Ratcliffe travelled to Moscow to warn Russia against attacking NATO and specifically against escalation in the direction of the Baltic states.

Tsahkna said US officials had regularly met Russian representatives during Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and that Ratcliffe’s visit should not be given “revolutionary significance.” Estonia remained in close contact with all its allies, including the United States, exchanging information and working to ensure that Russia understood NATO’s unity and determination to defend its territory, he said.

Michal said partner intelligence services maintained good relations and exchanged information, but not through public channels. He added that Russia’s assessment remained adequate and that Moscow understood it would be defeated if it attacked NATO and European countries.

Michal also warned that Russia’s hybrid activities remained a persistent problem and threat. European countries needed to stay vigilant about internal security and continuously strengthen their defence capabilities, he said, adding that Russia remained a persistent and acute threat to all NATO and European Union countries as long as it did not change its objectives.