Estonian President Alar Karis has called for increased defense spending in line with NATO defense plans.
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During his speech in Narva, the President called investments in the country’s defense “a contribution to the defense of Estonia’s freedom.” According to the publication, Karis claims that combat units of nuclear powers NATO, the USA, France and Great Britain are constantly stationed in Estonia.
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“We cannot ignore the assessment that we need additional billions to purchase ammunition, especially if such a need arises from NATO defense plans,” Karis said.
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Karis noted that Estonia has weapons and ammunition that can destroy “an enemy attacking Estonia already in its rear.”
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Earlier, the former Minister of Defense of Estonia, a member of the parliamentary faction of the Reform Party, Kalle Laanet, argued the need to increase defense spending as a “threat from the Russian Federation,” but did not provide any evidence of its existence. The ex-minister spoke on the ERR television and radio company about Estonia’s new defense concept, according to which, as stated, Estonian forces will, under certain circumstances, be able to attack troops on Russian territory.
