Estonian Intel Chief: Russian military is bigger than before Ukraine war started | Conflict Zone

Estonia’s top spy says Russia is building more capability and that NATO countries would be the next target if Ukraine loses. But Kaupo Rosin, Kaupo who is the Director General of the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service, told DW’s Tim Sebastian at the Munich Security Conference that Western policymakers could influence Moscow’s considerations through their choices.
#NATO #Ukraine #Russia
Subscribe: kzbin.info...
For more news go to: www.dw.com/en/
Follow DW on social media:
►Facebook: / deutschewellenews
►Twitter: / dwnews
►Instagram: / dwnews
►Twitch: / dwnews_hangout
Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: / dwdeutsch

[@draker769]

bruh, Russia is a really weird countries, both collapsing and expanding, truly 40k hellhole

[@Silks-]

Russia's in a war economy atm. Russia’s defence spending has risen to an estimated 7.5% of its GDP. They've massively ramped up their industrial production over the last couple of years, factories producing ammunition, vehicles, and equipment are running around the clock. Despite Western restrictions on Russian oil and gas, the flows of hydrocarbon revenues have kept coming into the state coffers. The military-industrial complex now employs about 3.5 million people, 2.5% of the population. They can't keep it up indefinitely, lets just hope China and others don't unite...

[@Highskill3r]

@@Silks- China will not allow Russia to drag it into a war with the West

[@lepetitroquet9410]

@@Silks- Small caveat, the overall revenues from fossil fuel sells are indeed continuing, equivalent to 600 million euros per day (down from 900 million euros per day on january 2022, but overall no dramatic decrease). The revenues for the state however, are quite down, as per the Kremlin's numbers, the revenues from oil and gas have gone from 25 trillion rubles in 2021 to 8,8 trillion rubles in 2023. Not exactly certain, but it seems to indicate that the profits on those sells are not nearly as high as they used to be (as that's the part that is being taxed more or less). ps: and the inflation numbers from Russia aren't looking good either. Nothing dramatic yet, but concerning at least for their civilian economy.

[@Silks-]

@@lepetitroquet9410 Good points

[@sukoimig]

​@Silks- that is how the USSR collapsed, a massively corrupted government with a military industrial complex taking an ever larger share of the economy. Tsarist Russia was doing something similar during WW1, an impoverished population with massive military spending. The opposite is also how the CCP managed to survive, developing its civilian industrial base, putting the emphasis on consumer goods and waiting for the economy to grow before ramping up military spending. China has its eyes on Taiwan and Siberia, a weak, embattled and dependant Russia suits them perfectly. It's as if Russia never learns. Putin is playing 1D chess against himself and he's losing...

[@mungucitimothy3530]

The people need to make up their minds. Is Russia too weak to be a threat or is Russia so strong that the whole of Europe is threatened?

[@izajahmed8863]

Come on you are asking this to the people who cannot come to the conclusion about genders 😂😂😂

[@blackmantis3130]

Very contradictory assessments

[@MrJonezy541]

​@@izajahmed8863 Did you know that Russia has the largest LGBT percentage in Europe?

[@MichaelWalker-wu2pq]

They are both weakened and yet quite lethal. They're getting stronger now that US aid is drying up for the Ukrainians. They will inevitably move on NATO countries when they defeat Ukraine.

[@PMZEEE]

It is not about Russia and China being threats, it's about American imperialism and British neo-colonialism. That is why they keep poking both China and Russia to go to war with their neighbours. It was not a mistake that they promised Ukraine to join NATO coz they knew this will push Russia to war, as Russia has been warning for over 20 years. It's not a mistake that they promise Taiwan independence, even though they know China would go to war against that. The US want war to profit America and to create jobs. Europeans on the other hand, are just oblivious sheep to the slaughter, just like Ukranians and Taiwanese.

[@trqster]

One year ago: Russia has already lost the war (in Ukraine, is running out of tanks and missiles and their economy is done. Oh and Putin is sick and dying. One year later: Russia has a larger army and military power than ever before, their economy is not colapsing and Putin is coming for us anytime soon. What a difference a year makes!

[@AK-ze7ro]

Russia is recruiting from around the world, South America, Nepal, Afghanistan...Promising large sums of money, while its people are freezing. Russia purchased 1million missiles from N Korea. Ukraine only received 300K of the1 million missiles promised by Europe. Russia started with a smaller army because it expected to walk into Ukraine like in 2014 after the Russian puppet Yanukovych depleted Ukraines military capability and planted its agents in key positions.

[@debater452]

Do you know how basic geopolitics and defence planing works

[@trqster]

@@debater452 I do listen to people like Professor John Mearsheimer, Professor Jeffrey Sachs or even military background guys like Colonel Douglas McGregor, but of course unlike them I'm ignorant about geopolitics, just stating what the US government said before/after.

[@vanjamenadzer]

And Putin was dying left and right.

[@debater452]

@@trqster All of them are hacks

[@TheVideoRaf]

I don't understand why the West is refusing to listen to Vladimir's own words! His words are very clear and the West needs to pay attention!!!

[@torehaaland6921]

Putin has no right full claim no anything outside of the Russian borders. So what he say, has no validity.

[@midnightghost6261]

Because he lied, like he lied befor

[@liliabird3160]

Putin is a chronic liar and nobody believes in his words😅

[@kinghadu9611]

Putin is the boy who lied so many times that nobody believes him when he is telling the truth.

[@fada3399]

Putin speaks the opposite of what he means. He is a liar just like any politician.

[@tunder6023]

I don’t understand, is it falling apart or getting stronger?

[@user-vo2xb9de2k]

delusions of grandeur napolion pfui einst

[@izajahmed8863]

You will be in confusion only till you come out of western media narrative. Just now I saw US general and a senator that Russia is getting weak and cannot sustain for very long and West has more resources than Russia. Now you have this dude telling the opposite and west is struggling to keep up with supplies for Ukraine. But I saw a video where shoigu was explaining about weapons production and even putin stated in a clip. By looking at what they said, production grew seven fold and drone are at rate of 10K per day. EU is yet to start drone production and planned to do 1m per year but still less.

[@bleo8371]

Woud you live in Russia?. . in constant danger going war? banned to have opinion on something?... its falling apart.. young people will leave

[@hansrijke8477]

If only it is true try reading some people like Col .Douglas or Scot Ritter !@@bleo8371

[@steveborgmalta]

They're saying Russia has more manpower due to mobilization, "NOT more tanks". Don't let pro-Russians twist words as they always do.

[@cte4dota]

Battle proven military is the best military. Russians changed alot to adapt to modern warfire.

[@chrystya]

Well they still haven’t

[@Dweller415]

@@chrystyanot true. Granted, they still struggle with Ukrainian drones and Western weapons. But the Russians are mobilizing and Russian defense manufacturing is pouring out new tanks, and overhauling older models. Vladimir Putin is looking back to WW 2 as to how to proceed in Ukraine and possibly beyond.

[@bjorn1583]

@@chrystya they are now steamrolling the ukrainians so I'd say they have

[@matro2]

@@chrystya They just took Ukraine's largest fortress.

[@cte4dota]

You think others will perform better in simmilar situation? i don't think so. Only real war and combat prove all missing parts of moder military combat only USA has capabilities to try everything and adapt fast. European armies are joke.@@chrystya

[@Marinealver]

Country that fights war makes army bigger You don't say

[@timmy-wj2hc]

Not Ukraine, they are getting demolished. Russia already destroyed 3 armies. That's why Ukraine is building a 4th with old people, disabled, and women.

[@bubblelyte401]

Every force has equal and opposite force (if possible). Seems like the West is shooting itself in the foot by sending more funds and weapons into Ukraine. This is a literal stirring up a sleeping bear.

[@steveborgmalta]

They're saying Russia has more manpower due to mobilization, "NOT more tanks". Don't let pro-Russians twist words as they always do.

[@robertmiskey5502]

say something intelligent

[@mw9297]

@@steveborgmalta Russias totally not producing new vehicles. All their factories have been destroyed, Russians falling 🤪

[@miguelrage6810]

from fighting using shovels to more capability than before ahahahaha

[@PavolFilek]

US could not find more weapons for Ukraine

[@aleale6277]

More bodies not more capability

[@ankpms830]

Fearful shovels 😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@nathanlewis42]

@@PavolFilek no the republicans blocked US military aid

[@hansrijke8477]

They all lie !

[@ritvikdiv]

“Russia doesn’t respect weakness” vs G7 respects weakness… HA HA 😂

[@Mercuryrising56627]

Darwin has been revised meanwile

[@eliahcoe7876]

Or to say mankinds evolved to next level.

[@greenwave819]

"Russia doesn't respect weakness??" does anyone??

[@RandomRyan1911]

That's why we're seeing all this now, western leaders argue over everything right down to what a woman is. We're against bully mentality and we look like an easy victim

[@wolfgangwiesinger9502]

Yes, we do Europran countries have no intention to expand, people just want peace. If someone want to join the free world, they are wellcome though.

[@TheMrGazoline]

@@suportbghelp4938 "Can u explain me, why same labor in Bulgaria take 4times lower pay than in Germany, for same work.?" What. How is this relevant? Anyway, different standards of living.

[@yellowstone2ndtrumpet304]

God does, women and real men do every time they pick up a baby.

[@johnadam2885]

@@wolfgangwiesinger9502 'Europran countries have no intention to expand, people just want peace..... Hmm. So why did you invade Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan ? Liar.

[@USB740]

Yes Russian army is expanding by kicking production of military equipment into high gear, that doesn't mean they are interested in invading a Nato country. What it does mean is that they are winning in Ukraine.

[@bjorn1583]

the only talk of russia attacking nato is coming from nato

[@guest1754]

@@bjorn1583BS, Russia has repeatedly flaunted their plans for restoring the former borders of USSR.

[@Smarcue2025]

@@guest1754can you cite a legitimate source that is NOT clearly biased fearmongering media??

[@vinylrichiejr.2416]

@@bjorn1583ahm what, so you forget all the for example threats towards NATO states like Germany throwing nuclear weapons on them? That would be an attack on NATO states.

[@bjorn1583]

@@vinylrichiejr.2416 the threat was for any country that ATTACKED russian lands, but l guess you FORGOT that part of the speech

[@elkanaajowi9093]

The experts will grasp anything, anything that might help. It could be collapsing to justify wasted resources, or it could be stronger to justify current and future funding. Very genius.

[@alexandervocelka9125]

Well now this conference has become a pure NATO workshop and weapons market place.

[@eddiemerc1986]

😂👍

[@kimjongoof5000]

That's a bad thing?

[@mathias2868]

@@kimjongoof5000always

[@pieterprinsloo1415]

Total bullsh*t

[@bakimc4722]

Of course, it's a story for the naive

[@bouwez100]

All the people calling for war none of their children are in the military and if they are they wouldn't be fighting if a war breaks out ,It's all about the money

[@gikigill788]

You must be new to the planet. The rich weren't fighting wars during the Romans. You don't have to talk about war if Putin brings the war to your doorstep, you'll just be dead.

[@geofflepper3207]

The only people who want war are Putin and his cronies and money is only one of a number of motives they have.

[@Vampybattie]

What I thought Russia was losing????? Oh wait

[@Don_ECHOguy]

As a society in general under Putler, Ruzzia has lost and IS losing greatly... they once again will be the very isolated society they were some seventy five years ago. However North Korea, China, Iran etc. are not much to gloat about.

[@ankpms830]

​@@Don_ECHOguyWestern bot...😅😅😅

[@ultramanx9568]

@@Don_ECHOguyOk bot😂

[@Don_ECHOguy]

Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦💛 🇺🇦💙 🇺🇦

[@datacollector345]

​@@Don_ECHOguy NAFO bot cheap call of duty player😂❤

[@munguci12]

NATO in its entirety is strategizing and investing to contain the threat of Rushian shovels. Interesting stuff!😂😂😂

[@jgarbo3541]

Those Russian hypersonic shovels...!!

[@munguci12]

@@jgarbo3541 👍🏽😂

[@StrongKickMan]

People act like Russia has 200+ million people xD. The ship is sinking.

[@yves3560]

Oh dear oh dear , the smartest remark of the day. 😂

[@danielxbox28]

it's now the biggest economy in Europe...

[@mantasaponas705]

​@@danielxbox28ruzzia ?

[@mattyboy456]

They have almost 155 million.. and just 2 million out of this is enough to cause mayhem...

[@Joe-ij6of]

Russia has an old, aging, and shrinking population, their GDP is smaller than Germany, UK, France, Italy, and even Canada. Their industry is oriented around a fair amount of defense manufacturing, but they’ve grown increasingly reliant on China to get around sanctions for critical parts like microchips, and China won’t like it’s newest puppet state attacking it’s best customers in Europe. At some point, Russia will run out of prisoners to tap for military service and a general mobilization will be putin’s downfall. He’s a history “buff” that must be well aware of how things went for Nicholas in 1917 when he expanded mobilization for WWI… which is to say not so well.

[@lugoss9556]

Tim Sebastian is a high-class journalist, he knows who to choose for an interview and always asks relevant questions.

[@hcilliers]

Journalist: "Is Russia weak?" Estonia's intelligence head: "Yes, Russia is weak" Journalist: "But Russia seems strong" Estonia's intelligence head: "Yes, Russia is strong" Journalist: "Does Russia want to take over Europe, despite saying they absolutely won't." Estonia's intelligence head: "Yes, they want to take over Europe" Journalist: "Everyone in Europe blindly believes you on this. How do you know? " Estonia's intelligence head: "We just know, because of super secret reasons." What an insightful guy to guide all the European decision-makers to an educated plan of action

[@ChrisTian-lf2oh]

To answer the title question: Within a decade, yes. They are preparing for war with NATO.

[@timmy-wj2hc]

No they are not. It is all war mongering to manufacture consent. Europe is in recession and they need to justify war spending, while farmers and citizens are getting mad.

[@Hexiad]

NATO is already fighting a proxy war with Russia via Ukraine. And losing.

[@losttribe9107]

Why?

[@PeaceWithYourNeighbour]

Why do you people think like this.....why won't you leave Russia alone, why is the West so obsessed with Russia

[@johntowers1213]

because it lives in existential dread of not having an external villain to blame for all its problems... from cold war , to war on terror , back to Russia...and round and round we go... @@PeaceWithYourNeighbour

[@CK-jo9im]

One must be foolish to think Russia can fail in this campaign. I would not. Its a battle of existence.

[@TheFasterBiker]

If the USA increaces its assistance to Israel, you can expect Russia to do likewise with Iran. This escalation may comtinue until a direct confrontration occures. Russia is also withholding large amounts of equipment and manpower in readiness for such a situation.

[@anonanon7235]

And China hasn't even entered the foray yet.

[@mandarinandthetenrings2201]

Sorry, but that is a false equivalence. Russia's economy is smaller than that of the US State of Florida. Expecting them to do much of anything outside of the Ukraine war is somewhat unrealistic.

[@TheFasterBiker]

@@mandarinandthetenrings2201 Their economy doesn't need to match the USA. Since everything cost less there. Most notably labour. And Russia spends around 40% of it's GDP on defence. So it is more than capable of responding. I am not saying it would win a conventional war with the US. But it is more than capable of supporting it's allies against Israel.

[@mandarinandthetenrings2201]

@@TheFasterBiker Sorry, but Putin is running out of money. That why you need economy. Putin was begging the leader of China to use his money and he said no way.

[@mandarinandthetenrings2201]

@@TheFasterBiker If you have no money you can't buy a super car to impress your girl. If you don't have money you can't build tanks and make guns. That why Russia is failing in Ukraine their front lines collapsed and they are now struggling to hold to cities that they should have no problem holding on to.

[@CashMacGregor]

i grew up in a very tough blue collar neighbourhood in the 50's in vancouver and i was a kid who was bullied a lot. my parents both worked and weren't around and they told me if i wanted to stop the bullies, i had to make a fist and fight back. i took their advice and the bullying stopped. my advice to the ruling generation in europe and north america is this is the only way to stop a bully. it's been like this since we climbed down from the trees and moved into caves so forget about diplomacy and decide if what you have is worth fighting for because if you want to keep it you will have to fight for it. just the way it is.

[@Marinealver]

Sometimes that works, other times they just get a dozen of their buddies to ensure you don't have a prayer. If you were given a chance to win, your neighborhood wasn't that tough.

[@Writeous0ne]

the problem with your analogy is that sometimes a bully was never a bully until they had to be. until someone pushed them to a point that the only way they could get their point across was by using violence. which is what happened since 1991. NATO led by the USA has constantly expanded eastwards and Russia has always maintained that Ukraine in NATO would cross a red line... no one listened to them. there's a big difference between a bully going up to you and bullying your for no reason. but if you and your friends get in a bullies face and they say don't get any closer but you get closer, you should expect to be punched in the face. no?

[@Highskill3r]

@@Marinealver maybe in the US where they shoot u in the face for a pair of sneakers yes.. but here in germany its just like he said. defend urself and they will choose other targets (or even better they dont do it to anyone ever again)

[@jmhorange]

Great story man. Meanwhile China is pursuing diplomacy when dealing with other countries and saying, "US, Russia, look at them fighting like grade school children and trying to figure out who's the "bully". Neither the West nor Russia knows when their violent war will end. China's peaceful hand should run the 21st century, amirite?!?"

[@sidharthcs2110]

Playing the victim card

[@johnglover3682]

Let us look at the title "Russian military is bigger than before Ukraine war." First, Estonia's Intel Chief is very, very concerned about Russia. Americans whose borders from China and Europe are separated by huge oceans. Americans can easily become dull and sleepy what happens across the oceans. What is it that makes the Russian military bigger? There are different ways of looking at this. Good question userwy

[@Joey-ct8bm]

It's who can make more ammo and weapons. Russia is ahead now. It won't be for long. Number of soldiers isn't even close. The EU alone has more numbers than Russia.

[@agentjohnson3973]

​@@Joey-ct8bmair superiority is what matters and what would be a deciding factor in a Russia NATO war in which NATO has the upper hand in fighter aircraft.

[@Joey-ct8bm]

@@agentjohnson3973 You need missiles for that first. It's gonna be a nuclear war and NATO has a huge advantage of being close to Russia. Before Russia reaches the US all cities would be long gone. A destroyer would immediately hunt a submarine, but when your nukes are already close to Russia you destroy it very fast. They also have to defend both sides of Russia while NATO can only be attacked by one direction. That's huge disadvantage. Russia is massive.

[@MelkorTolkien]

​@@Joey-ct8bmYou do realize that Russia touches Alaska, right? They ain't that far from us either.

[@Joey-ct8bm]

@@MelkorTolkien Not really important territory in Alaska. Half of Russia is unpopulated too.

[@kevinsullivan171]

The fact that they view weakness as punishable is sad.

[@sridharkumar1802]

😂😂EU still want its own people to believe Russia is threat for them. The real threat is false information and placing US nuclear weapons accross EU.

[@alexparhomenko4069]

Exactly!!!! Thank you! =)

[@kimannepark4709]

But military experts have been saying that Russia is only using shovels now as they've run out of missiles and ammo

[@zurabavaliani8101]

I'm not the one importing western chips via 3rd countries.

[@anthonyloveanthonylove2159]

@@zurabavaliani8101that’s still a tactic of by passing so called a sanction

[@bjorn1583]

@@zurabavaliani8101 dont you mean chinese chips

[@user-oe2cc3tc5t]

Wow! Estonian Intel has provided a mind-blowing insight.

[@spotez9547]

😂😂😂

[@als1023]

I agree, this man is on top of his file !! Very impressive !!

[@wekiyajunk4139]

Estonian a city country. It's a city , look the size of that such little cat. Those types of countries are dangerous, they are the one who will push the world to its end with a bigger war.

[@KretaBull]

Former soviet republics are loosers allied with US

[@VaduzVaduz]

Tranquilo FBI.

[@DarkPhantomSky]

Right, what a credible analysis.

[@jjk9o9]

thank you

[@stooge389]

Courage, friends. Courage for our friends.

[@davidbeare730]

I like the intelligence man. He talks about managing the threat by proper assessment (intelligence) and by deterrence with well prepared armed forces. Managing the threat does not elminate it but it allows us to enjoy the opportunities available to those who choose their leaders. Diplomacy is essential, but only if your intelligence and deterence is effective. Did I mention I hate Putin?

[@SAGAWISIW30]

Estonia has I telligence the Russians have weapons of mass destruction🤑

[@nurex9029]

No you didn't, but he doesn't know you so he doesn't care really 😅

[@MattiLindroth]

Hear hear !

[@user-zs1vv2xe9o]

Russia super 🇷🇺💪👍💐

[@dearlrogers3498]

You can bet Putin is grooming a successor who will most likely be much more of a Nationalist hardliner .

[@tjhydd]

It’s extraordinary that Russia took Adviivka with shovels and conscripts. 😮

[@aleksandraslisauskas2871]

Who said that "cannon-fodder" tactic doesn't work? Eventually opposing side's troops runs out of ammuntion, gets exhausted etc...

[@xancypillosi9497]

@@aleksandraslisauskas2871why didn’t the other side with fodder and shovels do that tho ?

[@ziggy8244]

@@aleksandraslisauskas2871is either you watch too much DW or the drugs that you abusing is a good one

[@rasheedh7043]

⁠@@aleksandraslisauskas2871West should learn cannon fodder tactics from Russia rather than 🐑🐑🐑 tactics of west. 😂

[@type2unsetdiabeetus33]

@@rasheedh7043 West with more soldiers will win and lose just one soldier than russia not winning and loosing 500,000. :))

[@WilliamStephenson-ij3jh]

Most excellant open source ..we needs rereads

[@gotham6490]

Good journalism. Knowledgeable reporter asking thorough and intelligent questions. Rare to see anymore.

[@toreeliasson9467]

lol, I guess your British

[@Ata5ll]

He talked about denazification in the EU and the US so whoever didn't get his intentions on that note need to wake up.

[@anonanon7235]

He said denazification of Ukraine. No the EU and US.

[@JohnGeranien]

At first you feel confident poking the bear in the zoo, then you panic realizing you somehow ended up in the same cage

[@delliv5451]

That Estonian intelligence chief was quite rational in his assesment of the situation.

[@bokami3445]

I was think that myself. Mr Kaupo is very eloquent and frank about his assessment of the current situation. Good interview.

[@lglubbock7593]

he eats too much taxpayer money @@bokami3445

[@cupcakekiller]

Seven Nation Army Couldn't Hold Me Back...

[@geppetox748]

Bruh

[@corinnewebb6424]

No chance of peace anywhere then? No one preparing for that I notice. ☮️

[@TonyM540]

Nope. Get with the program.

[@corinnewebb6424]

@@TonyM540 I don't want to get with any program that could mean an end to the planet and all that lives upon it. Not when human beings can solve differences that can bring about peace. ☮️

[@louise_rose]

The EU needs to bin Elensky's so-called 10-point p

[@AK-ze7ro]

I think that is the point of what this Estonian is saying. The west has behaved as if we are in peace by reducing our armies etc. We have assumed that everyone else in the world had the same level of thinking. This has resulted in those with aggressive motives perceiving us as weak - because we do not want to fight. So, how can we create/maintain peace. An adage comes to mind "a stitch in time saves nine" If the world had responded when Russia attacked Finland, or Moldova, or Chechnya, or Crimea or the Donbas region of Ukraine then we would not be in this position. None of those regions attacked Russia and the West wanted peace so did nothing. That is how we know Russia will not stop at taking just the currently occupied land, look at its history. The other thing we know is that you can only communicate with someone at the level they understand. Russia understand peace and democracy as weakness and therefore open to attack and domination (ie.destruction of peace). An example, if I walked into you home and claimed part of it as mine how would you negotiate a peaceful settlement? I will stay no matter what you say and if you do anything I will become violent towards you and destroy your property. This is the position Ukraine is in. Estonia is looking on and saying "we could be next" and preparing to make sure that they and their neighbours create a situation in which Russia does not attack further or if they try they are met with sufficient resistance that they give up quickly. Like you I believe that we should use our brains and not our brawn. I too, like many on this planet want peace and harmony. Unfortunately, sometimes the only way to deal with an aggressive bully is to knock him on his a**, and hope that he gets up and does better and others who may think of doing the same learn too.

[@AK-ze7ro]

@@louise_rose Why?

[@kirikoo9981]

What is the purpose of this annual conference other than talking about Russia. Russia is clearly the most powerful country on earth every year a bunch of fragile countries getting together to talk about just one country and one man. Pathetic do they have anything better to do with their free time. This annual conference is most likely an album photo.

[@jbfirstdown22]

Im sure Poland is going "Sure, we dont mind a larger back yard"

[@cargo200-sb3cz]

Chancellor Olaf Scholz is still not ready to supply Ukraine with TAURUS cruise missiles. This is completely incomprehensible! Although it is now clear that only through long-range weapons systems capable of destroying Russian supply lines can Ukraine turn the tide in this war. Even the U.S. administration has given Scholz a "go ahead".

[@Martincic2010]

Why is it throwing money in the trash? It won't make any difference for every weapon the West puts out, the Russians will make 10 because the West no longer has industrial capacity and the Russians do. It is better to stop this proxy war and negotiate and yes it will be on Russian terms

[@PavolFilek]

US could not find more weapons for Ukraine

[@pjhgerlach]

It's not just up to Mr. Scholtz. The are other political forces in Germany. Just like there are pro-Russian politicians in the US blocking aid for Ukraine.

[@goenzoy712]

But not the German constitution

[@medic145]

Olaf the clown doesn't want to end his life like Navalny, don't get mad at him 😂

[@georgyj111111]

Ridiculous.

[@JugglinJellyTake01]

The Baltic states see Ukraine being used for a long war and don't want to suffer the same fate. Article 5 doesn't necessarily mean lots of troops and hardware to the Baltics but could mean NATO allies being used as proxies. Hence why the Baltics, Finland and Poland have shut their borders to Russia and Belorussia and are quickly building bunkers, defences, increasing troop numbers and issuing civil defence pamphlets.

[@Percival5]

These leaders are changing stories now😮 I thought Russia can't produce more weapons😂

[@Adrwpl]

Russia has switched to a war economy with supplies from Iran, North Korea and China.

[@noracatron4650]

No way

[@nlorand9033]

Uk intelligence had said Russia had run out of weapons and used washing machine chips in their military hardware. Zelensky said he was winning. The spring offensive was so successful he needs another 100 billion for his victory. His government said Ukrainian troops would rather die happy on the frontline than be run over by a car. Lindsay Graham said it was the best money USA spent on using Ukrainian troops as cannon fodder. Zelensky agrees to the last Ukrainian. He bought a few villas and did a few world tours.

[@12zaf1]

The title is a clickbait. This is not what the estonian claimed.

[@user-qp8js5ps5c]

Since they are Estonians, most likely they could claim: "Russia is going to attack ukraine, Kremlin might arrest Alexey Navalny."

[@brucewilliams2106]

welcome to the internet

[@MultiBazilbrush]

No, but NATO needs an excuse to exist.

[@griffinsalmon5798]

me when I dodge the draft because dying over a conflict between two eastern european hellholes is a waste of my time and yours.

[@genoric4094]

If not NATO then something else would replace it. Eastern European countries know for a fact what Russian imperialism and oppression leads too, and none of them want o feel the effects of it. This is not NATO imagination, this is the real world.

[@Dogboy73]

I thought Russia was struggling for troops and equipment? Now it’s bigger than before Ukraine started?!

[@JONELMixvideos]

Lol rusi use 5 %of power in Ukraine war wtf are you talking.. Russia is too strong

[@arturasstatkus8613]

Thank You,DW.

[@outdoorsrob3023]

What happened to the treaty of Versailles?

[@rouz0]

When people were telling Russia to become stronger as a result of this war, pro-Ukrainian did accept it. It is funny how the truth is spilled out little by little

[@SntGod]

That red army will be very different when it attack to baltics. Now in ukraine is not full power because of civil war kind of situation. When they come europe will not be rady with current arsenals and military, you have to understand advantage of 2 years practice in ukraine. But its easy to win russia in internet

[@bodiandras]

Hard to use experience when you are dead

[@t.v.4551]

“Red Army”???? 😆😆😆 Hey man you are behind history timeline by almost a century!

[@Termiic]

If they try, they will quickly find out how different it is to fight against an army that HAS a superior air force.

[@user-xb2mx6od2z]

What red army ???

[@Tehui1974]

Russia doesn't want a war with NATO. And NATO doesn't want a war with Russia. NATO were fools for flirting with Ukraine over membership, as Russia had clearly stated that Ukraine joining NATO was a line that should never be crossed. That being said, Russia should never have invaded Ukraine.

[@datacollector345]

But fools will not understand 🤦‍♂️

[@johnsaltonstall8262]

thank you for your intelligent observation.

[@tdrm]

Russia has also clearly stated that any former Warsaw pact countries joining NATO was a line that should never be crossed. Too bad Russia doesn't get to call the shots.

[@AK-ze7ro]

Russia just wants previous USSR land back. That is why it does not want counties to join NATO -which is why those countries do. What right does Russia have to dictate what anyone else does when it is gradually reoccupying previously owned land. As well as destabilising countries with any Russian population ie. any previous USSR country -which had a portion of their population deported to other soviet countries so that a percentage of Russians could always be part of its demographics, for just such occasions= old Russian playbook, check its history.

[@977Hendrix]

Ukraine , as a sovereign country has all rights to decide what to join or do. I'm not pro ukraine but their rights must be respected.

[@theshadowman1398]

Oh so DW was lying to us all this time

[@End0fst0ry]

yes, like always

[@MKK520]

In an interview with Russian state television, Putin said that he is ready to cooperate with whoever becomes the president of the United States." - Regarding the negotiations between Moscow and Kiev, which were held in Istanbul, Turkey in 2022, he stated that the Western countries failed these negotiations because they hoped that Russia would lose the war!

[@hb9145]

You trust Putin to tell the truth?

[@joeroyle275]

​@@hb9145 He did though.

[@AK-ze7ro]

@@joeroyle275 You mean when he said he had no intention of invading Ukraine.

[@hb9145]

@@joeroyle275 No, the negotiations failed because Russia doesn't want Ukraine to exist, and they'll point fingers at everyone else for being unreasonable.

[@clearcoat]

"Weakness is a provocation that must be punished". Interesting concept.

[@hummingbird6427]

So many Ukrainian shoulders died based on this intel chief's false information.

[@chefdave3275]

Shoulders.. 😂

[@bjorn1583]

the collective west is responsible not just one person

[@fwnm]

... but some people in the west are pro - russian... howcome? In times of escalating geopolitical tensions and intricate global dynamics, it becomes imperative to discern the subtle yet significant currents within public opinion. Such discernment pertains to a certain inclination among certain individuals to regard the recent events surrounding Russian expansion with a disconcerting blend of anti-Western sentiment and a latent sympathy for authoritarian regimes. This phenomenon assumes particular relevance as it signals a divergence from the fundamental principles underpinning our humanistic and democratic values, which serve as the bedrock of our civilization. It is disquieting to observe how some individuals not only tolerate but, to a degree, even welcome Russia's brutal incursions into the territorial integrity of other nations. Such a disposition prompts inquiries into the deeper motivations and psychological underpinnings at play. It appears that this curious delight in Russian expansion often finds its roots in a complex tapestry of various elements. Anti-American resentments, antisemitic biases, and a general discontent stemming from diverse sources intertwine with a perilous inclination towards extremist ideologies, be they of the right or the left. This synthesis of ideologies and emotions, seemingly incongruous at first glance, manifests in a dangerous readiness to idealize authoritarian structures and undermine the foundational principles of liberal democracy. It is crucial to take these tendencies seriously and counter them with a clear and resolute intellectual stance. This counter-position must rest upon a firm foundation of rationality, humanism, and an unwavering commitment to the democratic values we must defend. The challenges confronting our civilization demand a determined intellectual and moral response to safeguard the bedrock of our society against any form of threat. Cheers from Germany

[@McQueenPaul]

I do believe that our leaders should take note of what this man says. Here in the UK we are suffering from poor and weak leadership with only a few months before the general election where I expect the Tories will be wiped out and the likelihood that Labour will seize power. We also need strong leadership but I simply cannot see it coming and we will suffer more short term thinking along with further dereliction of our armed forces.

[@giselamalik8693]

You suffer under your warmongers and Brexit more than Germany. But we both suffer over all that Money which is needed in our Countries but goes for Ukraine and Weapins to build a dangerous Europe. You have one advantage: you are a Island, we not. We need Peace with Russia only manik peoble can not see or accept. And: we have not always to mix in and to play poluce for other countries. At last every country is govert by his Peoble. Russians have had about three Decates good life for the most after hundred of years in poorness and leck of Justice. Its at all the Perspective you use.

[@newhistory9754]

NATO is the villain

[@francesbernard2445]

Bigger in numbers of people with the lowest status in an organization is no guaruntee of that organization being always better at the same time. Same as how a bigger beast is not always going to be a smarter one in an ideal enviornment with enough resources for them to live for hundreds of years like some speices of large turtles can sometimes do in the wild without having to expend extraordinary levels of energy when doing so.

[@WalkOverHotCoal]

Estonia and many of the ex-Soviet satellite states of the Soviet Union, would give their left arm for the demise of Russia. So it is natural for them to talk up the threats poses by Russia. Paradoxically, Ukraine fell into the same trap, and allowed America and NATO to mess around at its border with Russia. That triggered off Putin and now we have a situation that the wishes and fears of Russia of those ex-Soviet states now become a reality, and that feeds into more fears into the likes of Estonia, Lithuania. The question one needs to ask about Russia's ambition to invade Europe is a simple one: Does Russia has the ability to invade Europe, given the difficulties it endured in Ukraine?

[@RaniVeluNachar-kx4lu]

NATO is busy getting ready for the threat from Russia. First they will conduct several interviews and consultations followed by cocktails and dinner. The evening entertainment will include Ukrainian Children in traditional folk clothing singing" "Oi u luzi chervona kalyna" ("Oh, in the meadow a red guelder rose") is a Ukrainian folk song, the anthem of the Legion of Ukrainian Sich Riflemen " What a wonderful meeting followed by such nice delicacies to enjoy followed by such an uplifting entertainment during the sumptuous dinner. NATO will surely be ready for any event, especially when it involves speeches, cocktails and dinner.

[@gon.9168]

Руские лопаты это нечто.

[@existentialbaby]

😂😂😂😂😂 true

[@peterblok3496]

Start negotiating and try to find an agreement.

[@GatecrasherSlim]

Pootin knows NATO would absolutely steamroll them from every angle, even if he doubled their pre military size. 36,000, that's THOUSAND miles of border to protect and Ukraine got through the first few miles it tried. Unfortunately he won't stop, as he clearly stated no war failure allowed "it's life or death for us", which is certainly is the case for him

[@AK-ej5ml]

True that the Russian military industry is running at full steam, however any actual war with NATO would be much more costly for Russia than the current war in Ukraine. I believe Anders Nielsen is right: If Russia attack it will be a small incursions to see whether paragraph 5 actually holds - if it does, then Russia will do no more, however if the NATO countries doesn't support each other then it will be a real mess.

[@bjorn1583]

its funny how this so-called "Putin's ambitions" is only coming from the west

[@pot_head64]

I guess russia could attack nato if nato sends their soldiers to ukraine

[@AK-ej5ml]

@pot_head64 They would probably still try to make it small enough that they can back out in case paragraph 5 actually works - though if Trump is in power that's not a given.

[@WangAiHua]

It will most likely initially be hybrid--just enough to split NATO without them entering the war.

[@urbansenicar81]

Yes, it is "preparing for war with NATO". See, you build a tank. You can then drive that tank whichever way you want.

[@MrTigracho]

I will take that as if "just in case". It doesn't mean Russia will get as strong as NATO, but it means they do keep the posibility of conflict against NATO a very real chance in the future.

[@viliridell199]

Ukraine is winning while bravely advancing backwards without men and ammo, as Russia is losing while retreating cowardly forward with more troops…🤔 We life CONFUSING times indeed🫠

[@coldnorthadventures5905]

100 % agreed

[@johnnyj4537]

No they ain't

[@emilkaLT5]

Listen to Johnny he knows everything 😂😂😂😂

[@marygem]

Russia has lost over 400,000 soldiers in the past 2 years. 😢

[@zeluki93]

And Ukraine?

[@JuniorSmith-zw7pd]

Ukraine has lost close to 1million soldier in the past 2 years this is madness 😠

[@ilronin804]

Not 400,000 but 4 000 000

[@thepoliticalanalyst5684]

120k dead, the rest are wounded soldiers.

[@chidimarvels]

​@@ilronin804Nope 40 000 000

[@ethiomonk7734]

😂😂😂You have been telling us that Russia has lost huge number of its soldiers and military equipment but suddenly you found out that rather Russia is much more stronger than ever before 😂😂😂😂

[@andreybogatov]

Kaupo Rosin works at the Russian General Staff ! And only on weekends at the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service

[@sa-uz8xv]

DW news tells a story....the comment section tells a different story 😅

[@soothsayer2406]

GG wp...Game over man, game over

[@muddgrub4402]

..."Russia sees weakness as a provocation"... DAMN!!! Soooo... Whoop! There it is!

[@Sziasztok742]

- The Czech Republic has put Petrov and Boshirov on the wanted list. - Exactly the Czech Republic? Maybe Estonia? - In Estonia they don’t even know who they are yet.

[@miroslavstevic2036]

Estonia, only 1.3 million people but world class intelligence! They can reliably predict long term strategies of Great Powers. Mr. Rosin reminds me of marmot predicting six more weeks of winter on Groundhog Day LOL I can bet Putin, Gerasimov and Shoigu are pi.... off right now. "Camarade Shoigu, this Estonian guy just wrecked all our plans ..."

[@wisehippo3072]

I'm sure you are convinced your comment is extraordinarily funny, but i've got news for you: it isn't. It's not funny at all.

[@JDDC-tq7qm]

​@@wisehippo3072did somebody hurt your feelings 😂😂

[@hb9145]

Where is Gerasimov? Hanging out with swastika-tattooed Utkin?

[@Realisticautism]

Show the intel then? 😂 because russia says differently

[@AK-ze7ro]

Russia lies - repeatedly, blatently...

[@bjorn1583]

dont worry the intel cam from the US think tank from an anonymous source so no need to show any evidence because it dont exist

[@waynefrost1441]

He said in terms of manpower, equipment wise they are massively downgraded. Obviously manpower will be higher 😂

[@Perplexer1]

Well, guy, I don't see your "support" working at all. Avdiivka fell even sooner than most people expected. That so-called support is nowhere to be seen. Ukrainians are outgunned and outmanned. Not only are they unable to conduct any counter-offensives, they are not even able to successfully defend. So all they can basically do is retreat. How anyone can possibly still be thinking or even talking about any kind of Ukrainian victory is just mind-boggling to me. The sad thing is that the Americans have left them "out in the cold", just like many pro-Russians said they would.

[@anonanon7235]

I will say this. Russia still hasn't unleashed it's full military potential yet on Ukraine. They are probably using 25% power MAX. And China hasn't even officially sent weapons and advisors. They know Russia has it under control.

[@AK-ze7ro]

I think you need to be more specific Trump through speaker Johnson has prevented America supplying further munitions to Ukraine. Avdiivka fell because the Russians know that Ukraine is running low and is throwing everything they have at it without care for the Russian lives lost. Amazing Trumps comments, Tuckers interview, Johnson preventing the bill being voted on, anybody might think that they were being paid by the Kremlin just before the Russian pretend elections.

[@rickontellez3757]

I don’t get it I thought the Russian army was depleted and destroy by Ukrainian defenders? How is Russia still a threat I thought Russia was worn out of war and tired

[@mandarinandthetenrings2201]

They throwing everything at one city but Russian cannot advance. They tried and got crushed by the Ukrainian counter attack.

[@bjorn1583]

@@mandarinandthetenrings2201 what world are you living in because its clearly not the real world

[@mandarinandthetenrings2201]

@@bjorn1583 Bear, the Russian should have won this war in Ukraine in under two months. It has been two years and they are losing ground.

[@robertobruselas3952]

It's harder to retake occupied Ukraine territory. As a result, we need to stop the Russian troops from advancing. DG-FIS Kaupo Rosin is right with his assessments of Estonia's, Ukraine's, and NATO Eastflank Security Policy. Years of Demilitarization Policy in Europe have led to insufficient military capability. Greetings from Europe.

[@munguci12]

Question is not whether to stop or prevent Russian threat. NATO has all along been attempting to do that. Rather the question is how to effectively do it?

[@Drganguli]

No one is talking of nuclear weapons and the conventional wisdom is that they will never be used. But what if someone violates this doctrine

[@trifio5242]

Europe needs to wake up and help Ukraine properly.

[@jamescarter8761]

Welcome to the party everyone, took you long enough to figure things out. Now, don't get so caught up focusing on Russia that you forget to factor in china, Iran, and their proxies. They're all moving as one

[@dm19609721]

and this is very scary...don't forget North Korea

[@stop116]

While everyone is focused just on Russia, they have forgotten of other military powers as you mentioned!!! And it's not only the countries you mentioned, there is a way more who seeks for the revenge... While Europe is giving their last stockpile to Ukraine, middle East is building more and more arsenal

[@Ashchinn]

Not just bigger. More experienced than before

[@brucewilliams2106]

no. all the experienced troops were killed in the first months. these are raw recruits and cannon fodder with zero trainingi

[@jamil19]

Intentions are clear. Give them the land they are asking for, and keep NATO away from its borders. On the other side NATO wants Russian's complete submission to the will of Western powers. The old leadership of both forces need to change, for the Peace.

[@A_Casual_Observer]

How exactly has NATO expressed desire for Russian "complete submission"? What exactly have any of the Western powers done in attempt to influence Russian internal politics? No one, and I mean no one, has asked for anything from Russia except that it would stop interfering with its neighbouring countries.

[@trevorsutherland5263]

Yeah, we noticed that. Unfortunately, US and UK still think they are in control....

[@kuku8663]

It's difficult to beat Russia 😂.The situation is different now.

[@ultramanx9568]

Its impossible to defeat Russia. Both military and economy Russia is winning despite all the max supports to Ukraine and sanctions from US, UK, NATO

[@harrymu148]

I think you misunderstand. I has always been possible, its just that the West's military needs to have the political will to be second in line for arms procurement, standing aside while they ship ukraine directly what is urgently needed.

[@johnglover3682]

We hear about some countries not providing their 2% share of NDP. The 2% is a target. Meeting the 2% target is seen as a sign of commitment to the alliance and shared security. Some argue that defense spending should be based on capabilities and contributions rather than a fixed percentage. Economic factors, political priorities, and differing threat perceptions influence each country’s defense budget decisions. It seems true all NATO nations should be contributing more than 2% at this time.

[@mandarinandthetenrings2201]

Sorry, but if you join NATO this what you agreed to in writing. It's just that no one bother to enforce it until now. You are treaty obligated to make sure you have military defense against a European aggressor.

[@PapaOscarNovember]

All nations need to discuss and decide what their sovereignty and freedom are worth. How much you invest in defense will reflect how much you value these.

[@morefreedomplease]

​@@mandarinandthetenrings2201HYON US taxpayers are tired of footing the bill for European defense.

[@mandarinandthetenrings2201]

@@morefreedomplease No their not. You forget you spent one billion dollar per year on air conditioning in Afghanistan under George W. Bush.

[@mandarinandthetenrings2201]

@@morefreedomplease You gave away trillion dollar in tax cut, then the billionaires hid that money in offshore bank accounts.

[@FireOccator]

Except when it comes to its recruitment pool and arsenal.

[@AscotTradingGroup]

A brilliant assessment of the current situation, by the Estonian.

[@spotez9547]

😂😂😂

[@zoki5602]

He is just Nato popped

[@eveening7401]

Preparing is always a smart thing to do, so do that. But stop with the fearmongering and unbased claims about Russia.

[@user-wj6yv2kk9n]

We need peace please.

[@robertmiskey5502]

Send an email to Putin

[@bjorn1583]

@@robertmiskey5502 he didnt start it

[@hb9145]

@@bjorn1583 Ukraine invaded themselves?

[@bjorn1583]

@@hb9145 nope the US did in 2014

[@hb9145]

@@bjorn1583 OK. What military units were involved?