A major war with Russia is looming, possibly even another world war, and European nations are waking up to this threat.
Russia is preparing for a military confrontation with the West within the next decade and could be deterred by a counter build-up of armed forces, Estonia's Foreign Intelligence Service confirmed.
A growing number of Western officials have warned of a military threat from Russia to countries along the eastern flank of NATO, calling for Europe to get prepared by rearming.
Retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, who commanded the US Army in Europe between 2014 and 2018, warned NATO should stand prepared and united. Failing to do so, would only invite Moscow to launch an attack, which may possibly lead to World War III.
The chief of the intelligence service said the assessment was based on Russian plans to double the number of forces stationed along its border with NATO members Finland and the Baltic States of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia.
In response, Russian authorities have initiated unprecedented criminal proceedings against Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, along with other Baltic officials, over allegations of damaging or destroying Soviet-era monuments. The Kremlin's charges, confirmed by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, target Kallas, Estonian Secretary of State Taimar Peterkop, and Lithuanian Culture Minister Simonas Kairys. This action has led to the inclusion of these officials on Russia's wanted list, marking a significant escalation in tensions following Estonia's decision to remove Soviet monuments after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Kallas has responded to these charges on social media, stating, "the move was unsurprising and proof that she was 'doing the right thing' by supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia." She further criticized Russia's use of so-called law enforcement agencies to veil repressions, citing personal family history with the KGB and expressing her unwavering support for Ukraine.
The Baltic states have collectively condemned the Russian move as politically motivated, with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania summoning Russian diplomats in response. These developments occur against the backdrop of Estonia's and its Baltic neighbors' concerns over Russian aggression, especially after the invasion of Ukraine. Estonia, having joined the EU and NATO in 2004, finds NATO's expansion a point of contention with Russia.
Furthermore, a NATO military chief has warned that Brits need to prepare for an all-out war with Russia and be ready to join the battle. Admiral Rob Bauer - chair of the NATO military committee - warned recently that civilians need to be ready for a conflict that will change their lives.
As the globe faces its "most dangerous and volatile moment" in history, large numbers of private citizens will need to be mobilized, he said.
He also called for a mechanism that could see a mandatory draft.
During a crunch summit between NATO defence chiefs in Brussels, Bauer said: "We need to be readier across the whole spectrum. You have to have a system in place to find more people if it comes to war, whether it does or not."
The head of the Norwegian armed forces, Norwegian Gen. Eirik Kristoffersen, is warning fellow NATO countries that they only have "two, maybe three" years to brace for a Russian attack -- just days after it was revealed that Germany is preparing for the likelihood as well.
Kristoffersen claimed Moscow is building up its military stockpile at a rate far faster than previously predicted, all while Western nations have depleted their own weapons by supplying them to Ukraine.
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