Russia's Baltic threats may signal new NATO provocations, Ukrainian official warns
Photo: Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation (Getty Images)
Russia’s increasingly aggressive rhetoric toward the Baltic states could indicate preparations for new provocations against NATO, according to Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation.
According to him, statements made by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) often precede real actions or provocations by Moscow.
"More often than not, statements by Russia’s SVR come ahead of the Russians’ intentions to carry out certain actions or provocations," Kovalenko said.
The Center for Countering Disinformation also pointed to Russia’s escalating hostile rhetoric toward the Baltic states, as well as the growing risk of drone and hybrid provocations targeting NATO countries.
"Given the rise in Russia’s aggressive messaging in the information space regarding the Baltic states, along with intentions to carry out drone and hybrid provocations against NATO countries, it can be assumed that Russia will attempt to do something bad," Kovalenko added.
Earlier this month, tensions in the Baltic states’ airspace intensified significantly due to Russian provocations. In particular, on the night of May 7, several Russian drones violated Latvia’s border, with one striking an oil storage tank in the city of Rēzekne.
Following the incident, Ukraine officially offered to send its specialists to the Baltic states. Ukrainian experts have unique experience in countering Russian electronic warfare systems and conducting technical analysis of UAV flight paths, which could help allied nations strengthen border security.
