Karis calls for increased defense spending: Putin still fears NATO

VILNIUS – Russian leader Vladimir Putin still fears NATO, but the alliance must increase its defense spending, Estonian President Alar Karis told Lithuanian National Broadcaster (LRT) on Wednesday.

"I don't believe that Putin considers NATO weak or a 'paper tiger.' We are indeed strong; otherwise, the geopolitical situation would be completely different. Therefore, I believe that Putin still fears NATO because it is a very strong defense organization," Karis told LRT.

"But of course, we should invest more resources into this organization. The war in Ukraine has provided lessons – we have begun to understand what NATO really needs," Karis said. "We all know that Russia only understands the language of force."

The Estonian head of state is on a state visit to Lithuania from April 15-16.

At a joint press conference on Wednesday, Karis and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said they do not consider criticism of NATO partners by former US President Donald Trump to be the end of the alliance, emphasizing the organization's long history and continued importance.

"There is a certain war of words going on, and the statements you mentioned are part of it, but I do not consider it realistic. President Trump understands perfectly well that it is important for the United States to remain in NATO," Karis told LRT.

He noted that he had discussed with Nausėda the alliance's need for both US engagement and greater defense investments from other members.

When asked about the possibility of creating a European Union army, Karis replied that small countries like Estonia already have enough people capable of fighting, and if a common army were created, its effectiveness would vary from country to country.

"In a certain sense, we are ready, but at the same time, I am convinced that Russia does not intend to attack us for at least the next two to three years," said the Estonian head of state.

Concerns about a possible split in NATO deepened after Trump, during his presidency, threatened to take Greenland from fellow alliance member Denmark and criticized allies for their cautious stance regarding tensions with Iran.