Baltic states fear Russia-Ukraine war spillover after drone incursions
Summary
The Baltic countries—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—have increased their military defenses and budgets due to fears of Russia’s attack following its invasion of Ukraine. Recently, drones from Ukraine accidentally entered Baltic airspace, causing concern and heightened alert, while Russia accused Ukraine of planning drone attacks from Latvia, which Latvia denied.Key Facts
- The Baltic states are building defenses like anti-tank ditches and concrete bunkers along their borders with Russia and Belarus.
- The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine increased fears in these countries, leading to stronger military preparations.
- Ukraine says some of its drones entered Baltic airspace by mistake due to Russian electronic interference; Russia denies involvement.
- Two drone incidents occurred within 48 hours in mid-May, prompting military and civilian alerts in the region.
- NATO scrambled a Romanian fighter jet in response to one of the drone incursions.
- Russia claimed Ukraine planned to launch drones from Latvia, but Latvia rejected this claim as false.
- Latvia’s government coalition fell apart partly because of disagreements over how to handle the drone incidents.
- The incidents have raised fears about the possibility of the Baltic countries becoming directly involved in a military conflict.
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