The increased statements from Moscow regarding the Baltic States are not related to a strengthening of Russia's position, but rather to the lack of expected successes in Ukraine. This opinion was expressed by NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska.
NATO believes that the sharp increase in Russian rhetoric regarding the Baltic States reflects the growing dissatisfaction of the Kremlin with the course of the war in Ukraine. This was stated by NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska in an interview with the BNS agency during the spring session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Vilnius.
In recent weeks, Moscow has made several loud statements directed at Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. In particular, Russian authorities threatened to appeal to the International Court of Justice over violations of the rights of Russian-speaking populations in the Baltic States.
Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law that effectively allows the use of the argument of protecting Russian citizens abroad as a basis for actions outside the country. At the same time, the Russian side accused the Baltic States of allegedly providing their airspace for preparing Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.
According to Shekerinska, such statements should be viewed in the context of the situation on the front. When Russia began its full-scale invasion, Moscow expected a quick victory; however, these expectations were not met. NATO notes that the Russian army is suffering significant losses, and the results of the war remain significantly more modest than the Kremlin's initial plans.
For the residents of the Baltic States, this means that the harsh rhetoric from Russia may continue. However, the alliance emphasizes that it sees no reason to doubt the effectiveness of collective defense mechanisms.
Shekerinska also stressed that NATO intends to maintain and strengthen the deterrence system, despite discussions about the degree of U.S. involvement in European security. According to her, allies must clearly demonstrate their readiness to defend each country in the alliance and leave no doubt about their determination.
NATO is confident that Moscow's aggressive statements do not change the balance of power in the region, but rather indicate the difficulties that Russia is facing in Ukraine.
