Kapo Director General Margo Palloson said that Russia's strategic goal has not changed since the 1990s. Russia wants Estonia and the other Baltic states to belong to its sphere of influence. Russia is doing a lot of work and making investments to achieve this. Kapo's task is to prevent this sphere of influence from emerging in Estonia.
Palloson said that Kapo is currently very strong. Russia's interest in Estonia has always been high. Estonia is a member of NATO and the European Union, which makes us interesting to Russia. Russia wants to know what is happening in Estonia and how we protect our security.
Estonia's new security changes are of great interest to Russia. Russia's special services want to know how Estonia is strengthening its defense capabilities. Kapo has caught over 30 Russian agents, which shows Russia's great interest in Estonia.
Palloson said that Russian agents in Estonia are motivated in very different ways. There have been few classic traitors. Most agents are ordinary people who do not have access to classified information. Russia uses these people to achieve its goals.
The tasks of agents vary. Some monitor military objects, others engage in cyber espionage. Cyber espionage is becoming increasingly important. Estonia is a digital state, which makes us vulnerable to cyber attacks. Businesses should be careful with the protection of their customer data.
Palloson said that on May 9, when Russia celebrates Victory Day, it does not bring additional work for Kapo. Kapo deals with these issues on a daily basis. Kremlin-minded individuals who threaten Estonia's security are deported from Estonia. Palloson believes that the Russian Victory Day will pass peacefully in Estonia. There is no place in Estonia for red symbolism and people who support the aggressor state.