NATO countries bordering Russia prepare for provocations involving Ukrainian drones
Photo: NATO patrol ship in the Baltic Sea (Getty Images)
NATO countries bordering Russia are stepping up security at critical infrastructure amid fears of a possible Russian drone provocation, according to Reuters.
The concern is that Moscow could stage a false-flag attack using Ukrainian-made drones. In such a scenario, Russia could try to blame Ukraine or NATO countries and use the incident as a pretext for further action.
How NATO countries are strengthening security
Lithuania has already deployed troops to guard liquefied gas and petroleum product terminals, a key power line with Poland, and the Kruonis Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Plant.
Latvia has stepped up security at critical infrastructure facilities, including a dam on the Daugava River near Riga and the Incukalns underground gas storage facility.
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs said the likelihood of a potential hybrid threat is now higher than before.
In Poland, meanwhile, Orlen is considering alternative gas import routes in case of supply disruptions. Gas infrastructure operator Gaz-System is also operating under heightened alert.
What provocation could Russia be preparing
According to an intelligence official from one of the Baltic states, the Russian military and intelligence services may be planning attacks on infrastructure in Russia, the Baltic states and Poland using Ukrainian-made drones.
The official said such an operation could be carried out shortly after receiving approval from the Russian leadership. The main goal may not be the physical destruction of infrastructure, but rather creating a political crisis within NATO.
Moscow denies these concerns. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has previously described warnings about possible covert Russian attacks as "scare stories" allegedly used to justify militarization against Russia.
Concerns have also emerged in Poland over its future nuclear power plant. State-owned Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe reported the appearance of forged documents whose origin, according to the company, could be traced "to the east of Poland."
The company is investigating the matter together with intelligence services and law enforcement agencies and is monitoring possible signs of sabotage.
Earlier, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen warned of possible Russian provocations in the Baltic region. He did not rule out that Moscow could use captured Ukrainian drones for such an operation.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also warned that the coming months could be critical for the Baltic states amid possible threats from Russia.
