Christine Drews Sieger
Security experts say countries bordering Russia have faced increasing cyber and infrastructure-related pressure since the war in Ukraine began.
The war in Ukraine is not only being fought on the battlefield.
According to experts, several countries bordering Russia are experiencing increasing pressure through cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and disruptions to critical infrastructure.
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in particular have been affected by activities that security experts describe as part of Russia’s hybrid strategy.
Among other incidents, authorities have reported several cases of GPS interference affecting aviation and navigation systems in the Baltic region.
Estonian security sources believe that such actions have become more visible since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Onet reports.
NATO’s Vulnerable Point
At the same time, military analysts are focusing attention on the Suwałki Corridor between Poland and Lithuania.
Defense planners regard the border region between Poland and Lithuania as strategically important because it serves as the main overland route linking the Baltic allies to other NATO members, Onet reports.
Military analyst Franz-Stefan Gady told, that in theory, Russia would not need to carry out a conventional invasion to create problems in the region.
“A physical invasion would not even be necessary to cut off the Baltic states, because Russian troops would not even need to occupy the Suwałki Gap. Remotely controlled mines, drones, and rocket artillery would be enough to establish fire control over the region,” he said.
Historical Interests
Historian Jan Behrends said, that the Baltic states continue to play a special role in Russian security policy. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were part of the Soviet Union until 1991.
Furthermore, he argues that Sweden’s and Finland’s membership in NATO has made it more difficult for Russia to achieve greater influence in the Baltic region, Onet reports.
We have also previously reported on Finland’s role in NATO after it became a member in 2023. Since then, the country has strengthened its cooperation with the alliance. At present, one of NATO’s military exercises is taking place in Finland, with numerous countries participating.
Sources: Onet
