Baltic states cut ties with Russia’s energy grid
Photo: Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (flickr.com/photos.valstskanceleja)
Russia can no longer use energy as a tool of blackmail, as Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are set to disconnect their power grids from Moscow this Saturday, stated EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, LRT reports.
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that disconnecting the Baltic states from Russia-controlled energy systems marks a victory for freedom.
"Russia can no longer use energy as a tool of blackmail. This is a victory for freedom and European unity," she stated.
According to LRT, the Baltic countries had long prepared to detach from the Soviet-era energy grid and integrate into the European network but faced financial challenges. The process became even more urgent after the start of Russia’s full-scale war.
Disconnection from BRELL
The Baltic countries remain part of the post-Soviet BRELL power ring, which also includes Russia and Belarus. In 2023, they announced plans to disconnect from the shared energy system.
In July 2024, Lithuania confirmed that the disconnection would take place in early 2025. The power systems of the Baltic countries will be synchronized with the European power system ENTSO-E.
Meanwhile, Estonia has urged civilians to prepare for potential power outages during the transition.
