20.05.2026 20:51
The escalating military tension between Russia and the Baltic states has put the European Union and NATO on alert. Following Moscow's claim that the Baltic countries are being used as bases for Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territory and its threat of military retaliation, the Western alliance has issued a series of very strong statements.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with the Baltic countries.
"EUROPE WILL RESPOND WITH UNITY AND STRENGTH" Stating that Russia's open threats against the Baltic states are completely unacceptable, von der Leyen emphasized, "Make no mistake. A threat to one member state is a threat to our entire Union."
Von der Leyen noted that Russia and Belarus are directly responsible for drones jeopardizing the security of the EU's eastern flank, saying, "Europe will respond with unity and strength. We will continue to strengthen the security of our eastern flank with robust collective defense and readiness at all levels."
Ursula von der Leyen "WE WILL INCREASE PRESSURE ON RUSSIA" European Council President Antonio Costa stated that Russia's threats and provocations are part of hybrid warfare tactics, declaring, "These pose a threat to the entire EU."
Highlighting that the EU will accelerate joint efforts to strengthen defense capabilities, Costa conveyed the message, "We will also increase pressure on Russia to end its unjust and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine."
NATO SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE: NONSENSE NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, in a press conference at NATO Headquarters, called Russia's accusations "nonsense."
Rutte commented, "If drones are coming from Ukraine, it's not because Ukraine wants to send a drone to Latvia, Lithuania, or Estonia. It's because of Russia's reckless and illegal full-scale invasion."
Mark Rutte THREAT FROM RUSSIA TO BALTIC COUNTRIES: NATO MEMBERSHIP WILL NOT PROTECT Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had said that the Russian army is preparing an "appropriate" response to claims that Ukraine used Baltic territory in drone attacks against Russia.
Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) accused Latvia of allowing Ukraine to launch drone strikes from its territory, announcing that NATO membership would "not protect" the country from Russian retaliation.
Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, stated that Moscow has information that Ukraine plans to launch military drones from Latvia and other Baltic countries, similarly warning that NATO membership would not protect these countries from retaliation.