NATO’s eastern flank preparing hospitals for a possible Russian invasion – Politico
Illustrative photo: NATO is preparing hospitals for a possible war with Russia (Getty Images)
NATO’s eastern flank countries fear a possible war with Russia. They have already started preparing hospitals for such a scenario, Politico reports.
According to the outlet, at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics, located just 50 km from the EU's external border with Belarus, preparations are underway to develop underground infrastructure, shelters, helipads, and autonomous systems that would allow the facility to continue operating even in the event of power or water outages.
The hospital is also conducting evacuation drills and readiness exercises to receive a large number of casualties, in cooperation with the Lithuanian Armed Forces and the Riflemen’s Union.
Meanwhile, in Estonia, in addition to distributing bulletproof vests to emergency medical teams, satellite phones will also be issued in case traditional communication channels fail. The creation of an autonomous internet network is also under consideration.
Generators are being installed in all hospitals, drawing on Ukraine’s experience, where Russia regularly targets the energy system.
Several hospitals in Eastern Europe are particularly vulnerable. Authorities are now exploring options for converting basements into operating rooms in case of extreme scenarios.
As Ragnar Vaiknemets, Deputy Director General of Estonia’s Health Board, noted, the question is not if Russia will attack, but when it will happen.
The Baltic states are also stockpiling medical supplies, consumables, and equipment. Estonia has allocated 25 million euros to purchase such supplies, including orthopedic structures, tourniquets, and trauma kits. Vaiknemets added that these reserves will help hospitals operate until support from other NATO countries arrives. He also emphasized the Alliance's leading role in organizing supply chains.
One of the main ongoing challenges in the Baltic states remains a shortage of medical personnel — particularly at the mid-level. A recent social survey in Lithuania revealed that, during wartime, fewer than 40% of doctors would remain at their posts.
Russian threat to NATO
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte previously warned that Russia could be ready for war with NATO within five years.
He noted that this timeline is due to the fact that Russia is producing weapons faster than the Alliance had anticipated.
