"I will not hold back. Putin is a dictator who kills women and children"

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated she will not soften her stance on Putin, emphasizing the need to openly discuss the Russian threat. She rejected Pentagon requests for Baltic states to refrain from provoking Russia, labeling Putin a dictator responsible for violence against civilians. Michal asserted that negotiations with dictators undermine freedom and that Estonia will continue to warn about Russian threats. The Pentagon has advised NATO allies to temper their rhetoric regarding Russia, citing concerns over European security. Despite this, Baltic intelligence assesses a low likelihood of direct Russian aggression against NATO, while other Western agencies warn of increased sabotage activities.